Esoteric X-01 SE vs EMM CDSA SE

There is an X-01, X-01 Limited, and an X-01 D2 which has been just released. There is however no X-01 Se. I have an X-01 Limited in my system, which is a wonderful device, but I have not been able to do a direct comparison to any EMM products. If you have the opportunity of auditioning these devices together, make sure they have at lease 1000 hours of operation on them, or you may walk out of the audition unnecessarily dissatisfied with both.

Leonx, I have heard SACDs where the imaging is bloated and overgrown as you suggest. Other disks where the imaging appears to be right on the button. My experience is that the bloated instrument images is mostly on SACDs that are remasters of old tapes from the 50s, e.g. Dvorak Cello Concerto with Piatigorsky/Munch, or Starker on Bach suites.
This may be just a case of conscious over-engineering of old master tapes by sound engineers that should quite frankly consider visiting a concert hall before indulging in any more fantasy pastiches of unrealistic hyper-realism.

Gregm, it is not at all surprising that the LP does not have the problems found on SACD. Consider that in most cases engineers start from the old master tapes. they remix, enhance, depress frequencies and tracks according to whatever canon they have chosen to follow. . . and that in SACD reprints of old recordings is often the 'wow' factor more often than not. Or in other words, SACDs do not murder music. . . irresponsible recording engineers with SACDs murder music!

I know what you mean Leonx. I would also love to make my X-01 Ltd more revolving, but I just can't bear the thought of putting it in my microwave oven just to see it spin round and round. It would not be a high end solution. , you understand? and I do not have the budget for a matching SOTA turn table to load it on to. I guess my X-01 will have to stay sadly stationary and analytical for the time being. . . oh well, I'll keep on dreaming!