I have a NAD C546BEE CD player and an Oppo BDP-95. I got the BDP-95 because I already had about 6 SACDs, 3DVD-As, and a few HDCDs. (previously had an Oppo DV-980H, infact I still use it in my small system.) I now have 22 SACDs, 7 DVD-As (ordered 2 more yesterday), 5 HDCDs, and 5 BRDs.
I have the Oppo connected via balanced cables from the analog outputs. I only listen to stereo. The NAD is ever so slightly warmer than the Oppo. I never would have bought it if I'd had the DV-980H first. I tried to sell the NAD after I got the BDP-95, but no takers, so I still use it. The point is I wouldn't find the Oppo warm at all If I didn't do side by side comparisons.
That being said, If I were starting out today and wasn't so fond of hard copy, I'd get the best red book player I could and get into hi-res downloads for the top end.
Nonetheless, if I win the lottery I'm buying the best Esoteric SACD player available at that time. ;^)