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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
 
Again as stated, I looked and listened to the MW oppo.Made no sense to me to take a $1300 inferior player ,do the mod which if not mistaken was $25-2600 at that time with a long list of "better option mods you can add to make It sound even better" to compete with what is already a great player right out of the crate.I never bought into the Harley buy it stock and spend a ton to make it sound and look cool.Esoteric was and still is a better made and better sounding player to me.
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Fair enough Mission. There is plenty of room for all views and opinions here, and no right or wrong. Some folks like tubed gear, others prefer ss. There is no doubt the Esoteric has a very good transport & excellent build quality. But at end of the day, you buy gear based on a balancing act between subjective sound, quality and other considerations such as resale value. Even if you describe the Esoteric as Mercedes, the next guy might prefer a Mustang. Different horses for different courses.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,816 posts
 
Would it be safe to say that the Esoteric will still be operating perfectly when the Oppo gives up, given the difference in build quality between the two?
missioncoonery
1,223 posts
 
IMO, I would say yes of course..but I don't own the Oppo and never would so I have no experience on build quality and how it would hold up over the test of time..I do own the X03SE.It sounds great with any cables,a slew of different amps I own both SS and tube..........and not one issue!
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Aren't we really just talking amongst ourselves since the OP has long since left the discussion? Anyway I'm not particularly concerned which way the OP goes as I have my Vitus SCD-025mk2 which is making glorious music :).
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