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

I've been a part of this forum and others for years. Your preference and electronics in your system is always going to make the performance of every disc player, dac, and component, vary from stereo system to stereo system; this has become common knowledge in audiophilia. This is what diminishes some, but not all of the value of owner/user testimonials and critiques of high end gear. You never know until you put the piece in your system whether it will perform as others have said. Independently, these pieces are quality performers, but only with the right associated pieces.

Foster 9 post above is absolutely correct. You can ask 100 people for their opinion on a component but you will never know how it sounds until you listen to it in your system and listening space. While it is reassuring to hear positive comments from others, the real test is if you like it in your environment. Unfortunately, there are no short cuts to determine the impact of a new component in your system until you listen in your system. Hopefully you can find a retailer that will allow you to return the component if you do not like it. I know that many people buy used, listen and sell again if they do not like it.

If you cannot do this, you have a problem. You can ask for the opinion of others but the answers you receive may, or may not, mean the piece is for you. My only recommendation is to find a retailer you trust and, hopefully, he can help guide you to make the right decision for your system. I use this approach and it generally works. Yes, I have made costly mistake so I correct the mistake and move on with this crazy hobby..

Yep seems like some of you dudes are being a little bit hard on the gentleman ask for advice, I’ve been doing this for 53 years, and quite frankly audio files behind large or an isolated group at least in person, so I have always found it very Enjoyable to ask fellow members who I have a great deal of respect for questions that I totally appreciate the answers and opinions for. no need to be so mean and hateful, you guys need to take a chill pill and understand that different people have different ways of enjoying this site. Cheers to all and happy listening. Those that know more than the rest of us, you would do well to share that knowledge in a fruitful and cheerful way T Barry Clower DMD

Marantz just announces a new SA-CD player and a new network audio player in their new 10 series. The SA-CD player weighs in at 76 pounds, List for these two items is around 10 000 dollars USD.