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Oppo Vs Esoteric

Folks,
I would like to acknowledge the fact that I have heard the Esoteric players at AXPONA and coupe of other places. But my question is how much better is a Esoteric K-07X or K-05X compared to the Oppo UDP-205? I know that the Oppo UDP-205 is a killer machine for $1300. But it is a Jack Of All Trades, while the Esoteric is (soft of) Master Of One. So in that sense, can anyone let me know if it is really worth spending $$$$$ on the Esoteric (or a Marantz SA-10 or Luxman) compared to the Oppo?
Please share your experiences if you have compared the Oppo UDP-205 to any high end CD/SACD player.
Thanks!
128x128milpai

Showing 1 response by auxinput

auxinput
2,920 posts
 

To further previous points, I have found that when you reach a certain level of DAC/source, the resolution of the interconnect can prevent you from hearing any difference that a superior device can reveal.  This was comparing an Oppo BDP-105 with a highly customized/rebuilt DAC.  With a warmer sounding cable (which essentially slows down the voltage charge/discharge rate) the differences were very small.  The customized DAC sounded very similar to the Oppo.  However, when applying a very transparent/revealing cable, the differences became very apparent.  I'm not saying that there are going to be differences in the equipment that you have heard.  However, there can be other limiting elements in the audio chain (interconnects / preamp / etc.).  Listeners who have a preference for a system that is voiced to be warm or laid back may not be able to hear significant differences in DAC/sources.

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