I would go with the Esoteric. . I have an X-3, and LOVE it. I bought it in 2012 and wouldn’t consider another brand if buying another. No matter how good the Marantz SA 10 is, it isn’t in the Esoteric K1 league. The build quality is off the charts, mine is a hefty 55 pounds.
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