Marantz SA-10 Vs Esoteric K-05Xs


Hello,Was wondering if anyone has compared the Marantz SA-10 and Esoteric K-05Xs/K07Xs players.My current Oppo UDP-205 is a nice player, but I think upgrading to a dedicated CD/SACD player might result in a better sound.Thanks in advance!
128x128milpai
Hi Milpai.  I own the Oppo 205 as well, with reference level Spectral amp and pre, connected and powered by Oracle Level MIT Cables. Imho you simply have not heard what the 205 can give you until you have significant ac power isolation and conditioning. I have upgraded ac power conditioning,step by step, with the excellent ears of my lady partner evaluating every step of the way. I use an Equitech 2Q for common mode noise and MIT products for differential noise. The improvement in detail,musical nuance and dynamics are very significant. I urge you to experiment. I feel if you enjoy your 205 now you may be satisfied with it. One of the major features of Esoteric is their attention to power supply. Friends think I’ve been a bit overboard in my attention to ac power - until we do a listening comparison. No one would ever suggest going back to lesser treatment :). Feel free to question me. 
Hi Milpai,
I don't think you can go wrong with either of your choices. The Esoteric
(K-05X) will probably be a bit more forward sounding and detailed while the Marantz will be slightly more laid back in presentation.  Not to muddy the waters but have you considered getting your Oppo 205 modded by Modwright? I only make the suggestion because I have a Marantz S8005 modded by Dan and have been very impressed with the results.
Thank You for the responses folks.
@ptss ,Power conditioning was always on back burner for me. So thank you for bringing this up. But one question is - did you compar the Oppo 205 to any dedicated CD/SACD player? I have been reading on Equi=Core 1800 power conditioning. Looks like that is something I can do.
@cmach ,I am not lookin into the modding the Oppo. So replacing that with a dedicated player would be my path. But I would like to consider what @ptss has mentioned about power conditioning, since I have kepth that on back burner for may years.

Hi Milpai,
Like you I put off power conditioning as well. My original unit was a Sound Application XE 12S. A great unit that served me well but it was getting up there in age. Got a chance to grab a Synergistic Research Power Cell 12 UEF and I feel like an idiot for not doing it sooner. It was without a doubt, one of the most significant upgrades I made for my system. A good conditioner will improve every aspect of your system.

@cmach,What components do yo plug into the power conditioner? Everything except amps? Or do you also plug you amp into the Power Conditioner? I have read both arguments - don't and do plug amp into Power conditioner. It is confusing.