Opus 21 vs Esoteric X-3se

I have had both. Opus is not quite as detailed, not nearly as dynamic in either base or mod form. GNSC Opus might be more musical at the expense of detail and air. For the money, gnsc Opus is hard to beat. If you have the cash, I preferred the X03SE. If you need to run direct and need more cash, GNSC Opus is a no brainer. You will lose about 5-10% in dynamics, air, detail imho.

I own the GNSC modded Opus and love it. I have heard the Esoteric (not in my system) and would agree with Arbuckle's assessment. However, as the old saying goes, "the devil is in the details". I think the detail level of the Esoteric really puts the pressue on your upstream components to keep up, whereas the Opus is likely more synergistic with a broader range of systems.

Thanks guys! Your thoughts are about what I expected. I want to run direct, that's the main motivator. I just don't what to take too big of a step back and be unhappy.
Thanks
Mike

Well, the "running direct" question is a completely different discussion than the quality of digital playback between the two players. In my system, I prefer using a preamp, though I know many run the Opus direct. As with selecting any preamp, you'll need to look at impedance matching, required gain, etc.

I use the GNSC modded Opus and heard the unmodded player against one of the cheaper Esoterics, sorry I can't remember which, but more costly than the Opus. The view in the dem room was pretty universal, the Esoteric was clearly more detailed, better dynamics, but the Opus sounded more like music. Everyone in the room, preferre the Opus

I am also in the Opus 21 camp. I thought the Opus was warmer and more musical than the Esoteric but with an ability to unravel a complex recording which improved my enjoyment of the performance. The Esoteric had slightly more detail but ultimately was too clinical and a touch bright for my tastes. I did not notice much difference in dynamics as I thought both were excellent.

Audiofan12
Is your Opus stock or modded? Is the stock model worth owning, or do I have to go all the way to the GNSC model.
Thanks
Mike

I own a stock Opus 21. I really like it. no complaints at all. BUT I will be trading it for a Mac Mini and a Wavelength USB DAC. Might want to look into that otherwise I will sell you my one yr old RA Opus 21.

Mike,
The stock Opus 21 is excellent. I have not heard any better for anything near the price.

Detail is always harder to get. Once you've lost it, there's no way to get it back further down the chain. I'd rather get the detail in, then tune the rest of the system, then lose it forever.

Cmk,

I understand your point. My x-3se had to be sent in for service and the dealer let me take home my Sa-10 that I had traded for the x-3. Now the was a reason I traded it in in the first place, but man that is a big step back. Still the sa-10 is more forgiving and therefore easier to live with if something is not right. The lose of detail is stunning and something I could not live with. The dealer being the cool guy that he is, let me bring back the sa-10 and take home a dv-60, that's a nice improvement. The upsampling of the dv-60 is a nice feature as it smooths out the sound for me. That machine may ultimately be a good compromise if I want to stay with the Esoteric brand.
Thanks
Mike