Esoteric K-01 vs ARC CD 9

Great review, statman. I am leaning toward the CD9 because I will need a pre-amp, which will probably be and ARC model---thanks for your assessment!

I haven't heard the CD9, but I do own a K-01X.   At this point I wouldn't want to be without a USB input that can't handle DSD128 native or upsampled and custom filters from Roon's DSP engine. The K-01X does that, and also synchronizes to a 10mHz master clock to further improve performance.  If you're considering migration from discs to files and streaming, the K-01X offers the best of both worlds. 

Jafreeman,
Wishing you all of the best on your journey for a new unit. 

dgarretson, 

I ended up with a K-01X because of that reason. I will eventually stream in my system. Loving this player as I know you are also!