Luxman D07x

For that kind of money, I would look at Esoteric.  I never much cared for Luxman and I was a Luxman dealer from 1978 to 1983. I find them a bit soft sounding. 

That was 40 years ago!  Is your experience back then relevant to now?

I have auditioned a number of Luxman components recently and none of them have been soft or lacked detail. However the definitely lacked midrange bloom, musicality, and natural sound. If you are into flashy shiny sound… they fit the bill.

@rpeluso , could be. 

My D-10X hardly sounds as described here, not close.  It sounds like music to me.  Not flashy, shiny sounding.  Nor lacking the rest you claim to have heard.  But, what the heck, we hear things in our own way.  

@rpeluso

It would not hurt if the individual you are quoting would use verbiage such as "in my opinion" or the like when telling people what is musical or not.

I don’t have a horse in this race only that I’m looking to upgrade my SACD player. Talking with a dealer that carries both the Luxman and Esoteric, he thought the Esoteric K-05xd beat out the more expensive K-03xd and the Luxmans including the D-10x. Just one persons opinion.

@rpeluso Don't worry about the naysayers. Luxman makes great products that can compete with the best. Their components are musical, refined, and of heirloom quality. Auditioning some equipment vs owning are two entirely different things. 

I'm quite comfortable with the choices I have made when putting together a system for enjoyment of much reproduction in my home.  I don't need verification from others for that.  I responded simply to point out that my experience with the D-10X is different than some of the opinions stated here.  You can see my system if you have any curiosity.  Not pictured is a second system with Vandersteen 5A speakers, Music Reference pre and power (tube-based), MoFi TT, and a Luxman D-06 player.  It, too, makes magic.

@ghdprentice 

If you are into flashy shiny sound… they fit the bill.

Wait, what?  Luxman?  Shiny? Flashy?

That is the exact opposite of what I've heard from the several Luxman units, including the integrated I currently own, which has lovely smooth, liquid midrange and treble that is practically tube like without sounding at all splashy or adding exaggerated air or bite, in addition to excellent extension in the bass and treble. 

I think you are confusing their looks with the sound.

Having said all that, I've never heard a Luxman DAC but am quite willing to take one on for a long term review! :D

Best,

E

goose

What aural aspects do you not enjoy with the MW 8005?  Esoteric vs. Luxman, at this level will be a matter of personal taste.

Happy Listening!

As above, my Luxman D-03x is a very fine RBCD. Musical and natural sounding with a killer DAC section to boot. Matches well with solid-state or tube(d) Gear.

Happy Listening!

IMO, the Luxman is the exact opposite of flashy and shiny. Those words apply to the older Esoteric CDP's. I have the D06u. Very musical and easy to listen for many hours.

I apologize, I was not paying attention, I was talking about the Luxman integrated solid state amps, preamps / amps. I have not heard their CD player / DAC. I’ll have to listen to one.