Anyone compared Esoteric to EMM labs products

Sound is very important JmCGROGAN2 but I also look for innovative dampening methods used in building the loudspeaker carcase or what new material like carbon nanotubes provides a stiffer tonearm for Turntables. All of this to say has this improved sonics of a component.

BTW my modified CDSA SE sounds pretty good meaning not very digital IMO. I do understand that digital graniness and see myself looking more into Vinyl setups.

John, my budget is about $5,000 (I would like to buy used)so I'm curious to know alittle bit more about the Marantz SA-7S1. I too prefer the sound of vinyl over digital. It would be great to get as close to that smooth vinyl sound with a digital front end. Can you let me know your thoughts on how the Marantz player reproduces lows, mids and highs.
thanks
Byron

Byron I've audition Ayre CX-7e CD player with Vandersteen 5A. Pretty nice player for under 4k.

Byron, the strength of the Marantz is that you stop dissecting the music and just listen. Overall, I would say that the Esoteric's have deeper bass and more extended high's. The Marantz has fuller bass and smoother high's, it also has a sweeter midrange. Somewhat similar to comparing good SS (Esoteric) with good tube (Marantz) sound.

I know some who prefer the Esoteric, I know some who prefer the Marantz. It's really best if you can listen for yourself.

Cheers,
John

In your price range the Ayre C-5XE can be had used. it is very good.