Absolutely agree! I had several Esoteric
players/combos over the years. Yep, the transport work is probably the best available (at least theoretically), but they`re missing something.... The output of all I A/B compared will clearly fail compared to my Marantz SA-1 or SA7S1.
P.S. Nope, Esoteric is not clinical or too hot on top. SA-1 Actually sounds much cleaner, without being boring and non dynamic as most Esoteric digital gear is.
Look at Esoteric much better player with better build quality and transport.
Esoteric certainly do look good, and have excellent build quality and transports. Unfortunately, they do not sound as good as Marantz. Of course, YMMV.
I'm not trying to start a war, but Esoteric and Marantz sound VERY different. Chances are if you like the sound of one, you will not like the sound of the other.
Ha! I have heard that before, if I get the time, I will call them. Anyway, I am now in subwoofer hunt mode. Or phono stage mode..... i get distracted......
Hifiman5, Thanks for the clarification. I couldn't, for the life of me, figure out what it was I said since it was the closest (in the broadest sense) to what would be political when it was never my intention. I missed the deletion and now I feel a bit foolish. :-)
How is the discussion of market research "political"? We're talking about taste and it's proportion to an audience sufficient to justify the costs of offering more than one color, which is obviously in line with the OP's topic.
As OP, I suggest we close this thread. Most posters are of a like mind, a reference item from a company with an esteemed history should offer their classic color scheme as an option. Especially at such a lofty price for a SACD player which is, in fact, a niche product.
There is no argument with the "sound only" and the "pro black" posters. This thread was not about how the product sounds.
100% agree. I was going to get one to go with my champagne Accuphase. Looks like I'm looking for a used Accuphase now. Black gear is 20th century. I'm not sure what kind of information Marantz gathered to think the majority of the U.S. wants blacks gear.
A lot of research goes into what’s best for which market. Different
colors denote different tastes, outlooks and preferences. Unfortuantely,
black is considered a bad-ass color associated with aggressiveness,
dominance, soldiery, stealthiness, ninjas and the like. Champagne
denotes civility, sophistication, artiness, elegance and what have you.
Interesting research. I see black as stealth-like. I prefer it for it's ability to not call attention to itself like silver and gold do. When people have come into my listening room, they are always drawn to any silver, gold or champagne color components first. No one ever asks about a black component.
That is why I prefer black. I prefer the equipment NOT to call attention to itself. I certainly do not consider it "bad-ass". Maybe in a car though.
A lot of research goes into what’s best for which market. Different colors denote different tastes, outlooks and preferences. Unfortuantely, black is considered a bad-ass color associated with aggressiveness, dominance, soldiery, stealthiness, ninjas and the like. Champagne denotes civility, sophistication, artiness, elegance and what have you.
Guess which one is typically "American" to most market research departments? It’s all how we’re perceived. Despite my mention above about not judging the looks of something, I prefer the champagne look but I’m stuck with the black as well.
@jmcgrogan2, If you have to compromise then Pass Labs is not a bad choice! Which amp do you have?
I will ask the OEM if the product finish can be changed, even its a special order. If not, then its something either you have to live with it or seek out another OEM.
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