Newer Esoteric gear sounds great, but will still be somewhat system dependent. With my tubed amps, preamp and DAC, my Esoteric modded UX-1pi sounds phenomenal. Very detailed but also musical and organic, without a trace of edginess.
Additionally, more often than not, a newer piece with Esoteric will be more advanced and upgradeable than their older pieces. I would try to demo a whatever you are considering and you might even consider calling Esoteric and tell them your system and what pieces you are considering. I have always gotten excellent support along these lines from them. I can give you an excellent contact there if you decide to go that route.
Additionally, more often than not, a newer piece with Esoteric will be more advanced and upgradeable than their older pieces. I would try to demo a whatever you are considering and you might even consider calling Esoteric and tell them your system and what pieces you are considering. I have always gotten excellent support along these lines from them. I can give you an excellent contact there if you decide to go that route.