Great review, statman. I am leaning toward the CD9 because I will need a pre-amp, which will probably be and ARC model---thanks for your assessment!
Esoteric K-01 vs ARC CD 9
Supposing both players had the same pre-amp, say an ARC Ref 6, which one would you prefer? The K-01 can also be played directly to amps--how would it do alone against the ARC combination, Redbook CD only?