2. digital
  3. 1444757250

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
taters
1,149 posts
 
Henrycai,

Everything you said makes sense. You do leave out one important point. What happens if Dan Wright isn't around anymore. At least if you buy from one of the major high end companies more than likely they will be around tomorrow. Even if the owner dies they usually have someone primed to take over the company. When I purchase high end audio that is always a major consideration for me.
henrycai's avatar
henrycai
120 posts
 
LOL...Dan is in his early 40s...but I am sure there our people who work for him that can service his equipment n make make a living doing so....this has been done before in the past...I now have Passlabs equipment n feel the same way
about there's.....But I really do not worry about that 2 be honest....lets face it I might not be here tomorrow...does mean I shouldn't buy anything lol...that's not my mindset...I think I cover most of my bases when I buy equipment.....by the way another unit I had 2 return was a Ayre poweramp.... the people who are honest with themselves know what I am saying...I am not trying 2 bad mouth anyone brand....but what I am trying 2 point out is QC is not good enough in most Brands....Be well
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Taters, not necessarily. Many an established high end audio company which have either changed hands or closed shop no longer support legacy products. For example, Infinity Systems no longer provide any technical support or parts for legacy speakers after the Harmon takeover. They even removed specs off their site. And there is a long bucket list of established high end audio companies which have closed the doors. Going with an established high end brand like Boulder, Vitus or Magico is certainly a safer bet that a business based around modding gear, though as with Infinity Systems, there are no guarantees.
missioncoonery
1,227 posts
 
IMO buying a product just because you spoke with or can speak with the owner of the company is foolish at best .I agree with Melbguy..A company based on modding another companys product has no validity to me as an innovator and not taken seriously...but the bottom line is what sounds the best and Esoteric blows that modded Oppo a out of the water IMO
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?125842-ESOTERIC-K-01-6-months-old-Warranty.
More to discover