emmlabs cdsa-se vs esoteric 05


I have the emmlabs cdsa for a couple years and enjoyed the precise sound. I am looking for current technology and a cdplayer that would be an upgrade. The esoteric 05 is in the right price range. Playback designs is also on list.
Anyone familiar with these sounds?
128x128snook2

Showing 2 responses by rcprince

If you like the emm labs sound, you might want to consider their XDS1 as well as the other two you mention, which are both excellent. It has a superior transport in it compared to the CDSA, and it sounds a lot better overall to me than the CDSAs that I have heard. I've been using mine for a few years and am very happy with it.
No brightness in my system with the XDS1, though I have a tubed preamp and amplifier.