I have not heard the SA10, but am sure it is a fab player having owned the previous flagships.
Now, Marantz voices their CDP's from the midrange which results in a very nice beautify midrange at the expense of more openness and solidity in the lower regions.
This midrange voicing is more tubelike and is "fuzzier" compared to the Esoteric voicing, especially their higher K series players where you will appreciate more openness, cleaner highs and midrange with just a hint of warmth has more bass slam but with a less "golden glow" in the midrange.
Details tend to be less defined and not as pin point in the Marantz's.
Your choice will based on your preferences and music.
For myself, the Esoterics are a keeper and perform on all types of music long haul in which the Marantz can impart that midrange centric presentation over all types of music left me wanting more when i made the jump.
Now, Marantz voices their CDP's from the midrange which results in a very nice beautify midrange at the expense of more openness and solidity in the lower regions.
This midrange voicing is more tubelike and is "fuzzier" compared to the Esoteric voicing, especially their higher K series players where you will appreciate more openness, cleaner highs and midrange with just a hint of warmth has more bass slam but with a less "golden glow" in the midrange.
Details tend to be less defined and not as pin point in the Marantz's.
Your choice will based on your preferences and music.
For myself, the Esoterics are a keeper and perform on all types of music long haul in which the Marantz can impart that midrange centric presentation over all types of music left me wanting more when i made the jump.