Luxman D-10x is probably as close to Analog as your gonna get. Its a laid back presentation. Marantz Sa-10 is nowhere in the same league as Luxman/MSB/Esoteric...and is priced accordingly. I purchased the Marantz SA-10 for $2700....The Luxman D-10X I got the Reviewer Sample for $10,500. Most (that have tried both) prefer the Esoteric K-01XD to the Luxman D-10X. Guess it depends on the music your listening to. If you wanna Rock out go for the Esoteric. If your into lightweight stuff (female vocals/classical/jazz) you'll probably prefer the Luxman. Cross the Marantz off your list unless money is an issue. If RE-SALE value is important to you forget about brands like MBL, Ayon, Oppo/Modwright...you'll get killed.
Vinyl guy seeking recommendation for a top level cd player
I know cds are dead. Best time to buy a cd player, the way it looks. I want an all in one box. I don't stream so a separate DAC is not required. Most of my cd collection have been ripped to a PC as Flac files and then down loaded to a Sony HAP-Z1ES. Currently about 3000 Redbook and perhaps 100 SACDs. The way cds are being dumped I figure on becoming a buyer again so these numbers will go up. I have looked at Marantz SA10, Esoteric K1 (lightly used), and Luxman D-10X, so far. It would be good if the sound could approach vinyl. The Z1 does up to a point. Listening this morning to the same recordings, the Z1 compares to a high end MM cartridge, but not to a SoundSmith Experion. Maybe I am asking too much, but in any event a new cd player is being sought. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Bill
Bill