Esoteric SA-10 or Ayre CX-7e: Too close to call??

Buy what you have heard and liked. No matter what others may say about another player, it may not be to your tastes. Get over the anxiety of thinking about other players you haven't heard and thinking they might be better, because that's just a waste of energy.

Sunnyjim, you are a riot. You don't want to pay full price, you don't want to ship, you don't want to pack, you don't want to pay restocking fees. Yet, you somehow want A'gon members to magically tell you which player you will enjoy listening to. You said you heard and liked the Ayre, so I suggested that it was sensible to purchase something you were familiar with. I'm sorry this offended you but I thought it was sound advice when I gave it. Perhaps you are realizing that was pretty silly to ask strangers whether you should purchase something you know you like or something you have never heard. I don't mean to insult anyone, but if you have two dealers, I suggest to avail yourself of their services, pay their price and hopefully pick out some gear you will be happy with for years to come rather than trying to do it by telepathy. Ultimately, you will save money and, more important - you might just enjoy audio instead of it being a source of grief, as it is to so many audiophiles who endlessly buy and sell. Best of luck to you.

Sunnyjim - What value was Stereo5's post when he could not compare it to the Ayre? In his opinion, the Esoteric was "too smooth", but you might love it. Judging from your post history, you are just another neurotic audiophile, endlessly asking questions and never reaching a high degree of satisfaction with your system. Case (really) closed!!!.