Upgrade SACD/CD player from DCS Puccini to better DCS, Esoteric or EMM Labs?


I love the Puccini, but realize technology has moved on. I have thousands of SACDs and Redbook CDs, and many downloaded high resolution audio files.

I listened to a Vivaldi player-Rossini DAC combination at my friendly local dealer and it did not sound significantly better on Redbook CDs than the Puccini I currently own. However, there are many filters to play with on any DCS device to adjust sound...so I may not have given it a reasonable hearing.

I do not want to spend the money to buy the Vivaldi stack or Vivaldi One, although I could if need be. So, I am looking at slightly less expensive solutions like the Esoteric (P1, K01X, etc) and the newest EMM transport/DAC combinations. 

Any suggestions? I like analytical sound. My system currently includes McIntosh C22 tube preamp (newest version), ARC GS150 amplifier, and Wilson Audio Sasha 2 loudspeakers. The listening room is great, I have a great line conditioner and great cables.

Thank-you in advance for any advice - I do not have the ability to listen to all the high end (and now becoming archaic) SACD/CD/DAC combinations available for sale.
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xgerryah930
Here’s the issue with multi box DCS systems - you need to spend a lot on accessories (Cables, footers, etc) to have them sing. Take a look at my system description to see what I mean. You can easily spend close to the cost of the base stack to optimize it.

While I own the full tweaked out Vivald stack the dealer I work with suggests that the Rossini gets you most of the way there. I would therefore recommend that whatever direction you go you have your dealer loan you a Rossini to try out in your home. It should easily best the Puccini and might be exactly what you are looking for (and you can always add a clock and possibly master clock as well) and requires minimal add ons. Of course if you are flush the Vivaldi one is also an option ... but I wounder why if you are that spend you don’t go for the full stack and all the flexibility it offers

All the DCS dealers I’ve worked with will do loans so start there
There is no EMM Labs transport available for sale so if you’re looking for a combo that’s out.  In any case, EMM Labs is the opposite of analytical sound.

I understand that Esoteric has gotten less analytical recently but based upon my experience, I recommend you start there.

Seperately, unless you know a system quite well, you’re not learning much of anything in a showroom versus your system.  You should be auditioning units in your system.
I own an Esoteric K-05 and it does not sound analytical to me, it sounds great on cds and SACDs. I understand that you will get more detail with their better players (I haven’t heard them), so that might be what you consider analytical? I’d include the Esoterics in your auditioning for sure, but I can’t say if they are what you’re looking for.