Marantz SA-10 Vs Esoteric K-05Xs

fauguy

Keep me posted as you audition the Marantz SA-10 vs. Esoteric K Series. At this level, these are true Reference players.

Happy Listening!

milpai

T+A makes very fine gear.  Keep me posted if you decide to purchase the DAC 200.

Happy Listening!

Unfortunately I can't find a place in South FL that has the Marantz SA-10 or any Esoteric on display to demo. It's a same. These players are pricey and almost impossible to listen to before buying.

Haven't tried these exact players. But my experience with Marantz SA-series players had them sounding a little warm, sort of on the musical side, not dull but just a little toned down on the top end. Esoteric seemed much more lit up which is either good or bad depending on the rest of the system. 

I could see someone calling the Esoteric players "bright" or "thin". I could also see someone calling the Marantz SA models "too warm" or "overly thick". Both might be right. 

The newest Esoteric is using a different DAC design and I haven't heard those yet. So this might not even be accurate any longer.  

Besides the Marantz SA-10 and the Esoteric XS models (not the newer XD), the other player on my list was the Technics SL-G700 as they are going for $1800 pre-owned. I've read good things about that player with both CD and SACD playback, and not being "overly warm" like Marantz.