My thoughts on my new Esoteric k03xd CD player.

They sure build them nice but just sooooo unmusical (sterile sounding) I know I owned one.

You no nothing rsf507 what do you have now that is better.HELLO!!!!!!

Good evening from Maryland.

After a fair amount of pre-consideration, I am now listening each evening as the Esoteric K03XD warms up (only 85 hours so far). (Alsyvox Tintoretto speakers, CJ Art 150 or McGary SA-1 amplification).

I must say I have been skeptical in the past about the claims for transformation of sound over warm-up periods (as others have said often, one "want to hear" improvement). I also have listened to earlier models of the Esoteric, including much more expensive combinations, and found them just too "aggressive." I was tempted by the Luxman 08 - so much more affordable - but (perhaps wrongly of course) it reminded me of my Zesto amp - a beautiful sound and so relaxing in the first many hours - but ultimately I came to hear a signature).  The 10 may well be big step forward but it was beyond the budget. But folks whose ears I trust suggested that this iteration of the Esoteric was creating a different listening experience. 

I am not trying to step on the lead: the first night I found it hard going - 45 minutes did it. Not so even 3.5 days later. But the changes mean that my best effort to offer what I hope will be thoughtful reactions must wait at least another week or more.

Ive just purchased the Luxman 10X...already have the K-01DX.  Im pretty sure as far as comparisons go it depends on what kind of music you listen to and the presentation you like.  It's probably like comparing a Klipsch Speaker to a Harbeth.    Forward presentation vs Laid back. No right or wrong.  The bad side to the Luxman is you cant add a Clock to it.  You can greatly improve the capabilities of a Esoteric by adding an external clock. The new Grandioso clock is scheduled to be released sometime next month I believe.  I also know with the Esoteric you can use the DAC inside of it while using an OPPO or other Universal player like AYRE SACD/DVD-A/Blu-Ray players as the transport. You can bridge them using D.Bob Digital breakout box made by Geerfab Audio.  This is an INCREDIBLE development for those with Multi-Channel 5.1 setups being able to use the Esoteric Dac instead of the Ho-Hum Oppo Dac.  Im not certain but Im gonna guess the Luxman doesnt have this capability so for my purposes ( having a large Quadraphonic library from the 1970's) its a big advantage for the Esoteric.

Have you read What HiFi' review of the Luxman?  They were pretty emphatic about it having and I quote; " However, the Luxman falls short in its ability to communicate the passion in music, and that makes it a talented diversion rather than an essential listen."  A lean and analytic sound was pretty much their description.  A dealer near me has carries both Esoteric and Luxman.  They will get in the K-03XD but I'm not sure about the10X.  I am looking hard at the Esoteric but now I'm curious about the Luxman.