Compare the yin to the yang. If the AA cd players represent the yin, then the Esoteric's represent the yang, I would agree that the AA cd players are smoother, sweeter and the Esoterics are detailed and defined. I find that even the sweet, smooth AA cd players cannot compare to analog for pure musicality. I also feel that Marantz cd players, though more articulate than the AA players, are not as sweet as the AA players.....they are closer sonically to the AA camp than the Esoteric camp though.
If you are truely looking for musicality though, you will not find it in a CDP, IMHO. Get a turntable.
Cheers,
John
