K01x owner here. Sounds great, happy. No desire to change it.
Disadvantage of Esoteric.
1) Constant planned obsolescence, every 2 years a new model which devalues the “older” players
2) only 1 service center in US (Los Angeles)
3) Repairs are expensive. My player did not read discs right outside warranty = new transport and $3.5k in repairs.