Redbook Comparison Esoteric and Reimyo

Kusina, as you stated, even in one box redbook players, there are different "flavors/tastes" which offer somewhat different sonic prespectives in the system they are used in. So, if you would share some of your personnal tastes, along with what gear you use in your system, we could offer more specific suggestions to you. The two players you asked about are both great sounding, but offer very different sonic presentations. I could see if a system was somewhat "forward/bright" the X-01 might not be as good as a fit as the CDP777, however if a system is some what "dark/closed-in" the X-01 might make the whole system blossom. System synergy is always, along with personnal taste, important factors. Post some details and lets see if some more specific suggestions will come your way.

Tejay, thanks for your suggestion. I listen mostly to classical music, with some folk and country. My listening room is large, and there is a large opening into another room a few feet from the left speaker. Because of furniture arrangements, I usually sit about 17 feet from the speakers. The speakers are SF Amatis driven by an Accuphase A-50v and a Bat VK51 SE. All components are plugged into an Isoclean power conditioner. I presently use an Audiomeca Mephisto II (not the II x) for Redbook and a Marantz SA-1 for SACD. The interconnect to the Marantz is Cardas Golden Reference. All other interconnects are Nordost Quatro Fils. Power cords are various.

The Esoteric XO-1/UX-1 I feel are inferior to the Reimyo CDP-777 on RBCD. By the way, the Reimyo is not less bright or less detailed. The Reimyo is not soft or warm sounding. The Reimyo has more body to the sound and is more relaxed in its presentation. The Esoteric X0-1 is more dynamic, but not as musically satisfying on CD. I do not believe that this is a matter of "pick your flavor" to match your system. These players are quite different sounding.

Steve

If the new DCS machine is anything like their Elgar/Purcell, and I have read that it is, then my advice would be to search out one of these players for audition if at all possible. Yes, it mostly boils down to personal preference among these top-notch machines but, the DCS seems to always take me closer to the live event. It always exhudes a "reach out a touch me" presentation to musicians and, the scale, definition and soundstaging just sound so realistic. Instruments sound exactly like they do in person. I like other players too but, in comparison I seem to always perceive some mild flaw in them such as slightly restricted dynamics, or restricted soundstage, or slightly soft, reserved, etc. I just can't indentify a flaw of any significance in the Elgar/Purcell.

Steve, I would never argue with your personnal opinion/experience regarding what your ear's told you. However, to say that the Esoteric XO-1/UX-1 is "inferior" on Redbook to the Reimyo is begging/negating the rest of your post. Regardless, of what language you use to describe the sound of both these pieces, they do both offer great sonics with different "flavors" as you state, therefore personnal taste not only enters the picture but the ever present importance of synergy and system matching. My hunch for what Kusina might like in his system is a type #2 sounding CDP. I suggest you put on your audition list the new Accustic Arts 24/192 upsampling CDP, along with the Reimyo. The Accustic Arts CDP sells for almost $8000.00 less then the reimyo, but might offer alot of its sonic performance for alot less expense.