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Classe CDP-202 vs McIntosh MCD550 and Esoteric K-07x

I love my Classe CDP-202. It does nothing wrong and most things very right except it doesn't play sacd's. The tonal balance is about right. Would either the Esoteric or Mac (those models specifically)be a significant step up sonically without getting to a brighter / leaner balance? I would love a bit deeper, more present low end.

Thoughts?

Thanks for looking!

billandsol
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,384 posts
 
I own an Esoteric X3 SACD Player and a McIntosh MCD301 SACD Player and the Esoteric is at least 25% better than the Mac.  I love them both but much prefer the presentation by the Esoteric. 
lilchris9
29 posts
 
Esoteric has many problems with the disc reader. There are other forums about the esoteric issues. I don't own any esoteric, went with the oppo!
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,384 posts
 
The Oppo 205 was very bright and hard sounding compared to either my McIntosh or Esoteric SACD Player.  My Esoteric player uses the pcm1704 r to r ladder dac which I feel is one of the smoothest sounding DACs. 
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