Marantz SA-10 Vs Esoteric K-05Xs

Trebor33 , the unit that gave up on me is SA 10. Read more post here and see what particular model , that works without issue.Like I said esoteric sacd are superb when there is no issue.Before you buy find out if the model you will buy has available authorize repair shop in your country, it will cost you a lot , to send it back to Japan.

I had 2 Marantz CD players, the SA8001 and SA8005, both sounded like mid-fi and the controls on both were cheesy and small.  I bought an Esoteric UX3 in 2012 and it is my last SACD player. 

I owned the K-01 a wonderful CD player, had massive attack and dynamics that put vinyl to shame. Loved it. Got ill so I sold the K-01, and the only player I considered was the Marantz SA-10S1. I’ve not looked back with regret. The K-01 still has more massive in the attack, but the Marantz reproduce the music with a flair, a class to it, does not throw things at you it just there to enjoy the performance. 20K vs. 7K in pricing no contest sound-wise, perhaps weight-wise 40 lbs. vs 80 lbs. both are a bit different but both oh so good. Depending on one’s system and gear you might prefer one over the other. I think in SACD discs the Marantz might edge the K-01. The K-01 power supply is much larger which is why it sounds more massive than it should for 20K. But the Marantz with that Mastering Engine design makes USB to CD sound so natural and real. 

Over the years, I auditioned an Esoteric DV-60. I did not enjoy the CD filters? The SACD playback was excellent. Cables and Cords were Wireworld Silver Electra 7 (PC) on the DV-60. Silent Source cables/cords on Pass Labs gear. TAD-1 loudspeakers.

Happy Listening!