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
billstevenson

Showing 5 responses by riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook

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.
Ive owned a couple of Marantz (Pearl/Sa-10)and currently own both the K01XD and Luxman D-10 as well as Ayre Universal Player DX-5 and Oppo 105 + 205. 

Oppo Dacs are REALLY lame. If your gonna use an Oppo just use it as a Transport. Some of these people have just never compared spinners obviously.

Lasers do not stop working due to age or usage. They can crap out at ANY time which any CD Player manufacturer will tell you. Always smart to stock up on NOS Lasers while available. Super Cheap.
You misinterpreted my post.  A Laser can go out AT ANY TIME....like a week after you buy it...not because of its age/usage. Thats what I meant.
K01 is 10 years old. Thats like 4 generations ago. Sounds NOTHING like a current NON Dac Chip Esoteric. SA-10 was a Slight Upgrade from the Pearl K-1 which can be had for a little over 1K now.  I had em all.