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Best SACD: Modwright OPPO vs Esoteric X03 series?

There seem to be about 5 of each available on Audiogon right now for about $3k +/- $300. I can maybe stretch my budget and lay my hands on cash in few days. In the mean time, I need to decide which type is likely to sound better. I am running a hodge-podge system made from a few 'over achievers' and a lot of attention to detail. Amps are 600w D-Sonic and the preamp is a W4S STP buffered passive. Speakers are 6.1 Genesis and most of my cabling is from Kaplan or his new Waevform Fidelity. I have no chance to audition either model as the Milwaukee area is kind of an audiophile dessert, and would appreciate hearing from anyone who has.
mcbuddah
steelhead
318 posts
 
Jafant,

I use triode wires labs digital American power cord and triode wire labs spirit interconnects on my X03SE.

Dressed it up nice and I am a very very happy camper.

I only want to throw in a K01 or K01X as by happenstance I found two cats both moving from current Esoteric to near top of the chain. The X03SE is a wonderful and totally satisfying (to me) spinner. Very curious about the KO1 but a little out of my comfort zone on price. A used X03 or 3SE would be a fantastic cost to benefit ratio player in my opinion.

Have Fun!
zephyr24069's avatar
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zephyr24069
1,244 posts
 
- Elrod Statement Gold (latest gen) Power Cords with P-02 and D-02 (other equipment as well)
- Elrod Statement Gold (latest gen) XLR Interconnects for analog pathways
- Kubala-Sosna ELATION 110ohm AES/EBU XLR cables (2) between P-02 and D-02
- Kubala-Sosna EMOTION 75ohm BNC:BNC clocking cable....

See my system page for comments and more details.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,895 posts
 
Thank You! Steelhead + Zephyr.

to Zephyr, you own some of the very best cables/cords.
Both KS and Elrod are on my short-list to demo (someday).
I have never read a poor review of nether brand.

Keep me posted & Happy Listening!
zephyr24069's avatar
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zephyr24069
1,244 posts
 
Thank you very much,...it's what they do for the music, energy and realism of what I hear that I like the most. Let me know of any more specific questions on these and others I've tried (Audioquest SKYs, Volcano, Eagle Eye, Raven, etc...years ago, Tara Labs 0.8 HFX and 0.5 HFX a few years ago and other brands). I'll be glad to help.
missioncoonery
1,233 posts
 
I might add before you drop a ton of money on cables..The 03se really sounds great with stock power cord and cheap ICs.It might be more wise to buy entry level stuff of a good brand you like and spend the rest on music....or a turntable if your seeking "the analog experience"
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