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Best SACD: Modwright OPPO vs Esoteric X03 series?

There seem to be about 5 of each available on Audiogon right now for about $3k +/- $300. I can maybe stretch my budget and lay my hands on cash in few days. In the mean time, I need to decide which type is likely to sound better. I am running a hodge-podge system made from a few 'over achievers' and a lot of attention to detail. Amps are 600w D-Sonic and the preamp is a W4S STP buffered passive. Speakers are 6.1 Genesis and most of my cabling is from Kaplan or his new Waevform Fidelity. I have no chance to audition either model as the Milwaukee area is kind of an audiophile dessert, and would appreciate hearing from anyone who has.
mcbuddah
missioncoonery
1,223 posts
 
Esoteric X03 SE without a doubt..When additioning players I heard several including the Oppo and the modified version.Didnt even clome close to what the X03se does but it really comes down to what you want to hear.For me when I read anyone stating any digital is closer analog is simply foolish.Get a turntable if you want analog,thats what I did!
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,719 posts
 
Much Thanks! Missioncoonery-

YES, I want to hear everything that the digital format has to offer (warts and all). I felt like the Esoteric DV-50/60 was an excellent start. I feel certain that the palyback get better as one moves up the product line chain ( I know it does for cables/power cords)!

Which cables/cords are you guys using w/ your Esoteric
spinners? Keep me posted & Happy Listening!
missioncoonery
1,223 posts
 
Im running Lessloss signature power cords..Nordost ICs with the Esoteric because I like the speed of their cables with digital.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,719 posts
 
Very nice! Mission-

anyone else want to shout out on their fave cables/cords?

Keep me posted & Happy Listening!
steelhead
318 posts
 
Jafant,

I use triode wires labs digital American power cord and triode wire labs spirit interconnects on my X03SE.

Dressed it up nice and I am a very very happy camper.

I only want to throw in a K01 or K01X as by happenstance I found two cats both moving from current Esoteric to near top of the chain. The X03SE is a wonderful and totally satisfying (to me) spinner. Very curious about the KO1 but a little out of my comfort zone on price. A used X03 or 3SE would be a fantastic cost to benefit ratio player in my opinion.

Have Fun!
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