How good is the Marantz SA-7S1?

Just for the sake of picking only red apples here. I heard
the Esoteric X01 D2 last week , and was very impressed. My
priority was hearing the amp in the system at the time, but
I have since been looking in to the Esoteric's. I would like to know how the X03 at $7800 would compare to the
Marantz SA-7S1 in the same price range. I know the SA-7S1
is a major player, so this is a good fit in this thread.
I would still appreciate to hear of any opinions on
Esoteric Vs. Marantz in general.

For long term fatigue free listening Marantz is still the best Esoteric is just another overpriced machine. I am fortunate in having a modified Marantz CD94 if I did not have the CD94 I would have stayed with the SA-7S1 which needs a 1000 hour burn in to reach its full potential.

i heard the marantz today. the qssociated gear included, levinson pre and amp, totem man 2 speakers and cardas interconnect (balanced) and speaker cable.

although not my own stereo system, i would say the player is towrad the neutral, balanced in frequency response and definitely not euphonic. since it is not perfect, as no cd player is, i would suggest it is a teeny bit on the warm side.

i can't assess is value at $7000, relative to other players.

I have the Sa-7 now and it is a very good player. I must say that it sometimes sounds a bit flat compared to the Bluenote. The Bluenote can sound more live in the room than the Marantz. What the Marantz has going for it is a bit more tonally complete presentation and has a bit better resolution. I sometimes wonder if it is a bit on the warm side of neutral. The Marantz seems to have a more mid-hall to rear hall presentation. With the Bluenote, I am upfront and it can sound so good but without the ultimate resolution of the Marantz. It really is a difficult decision picking between the two players. It is maddening because in a perfect world I want the best of both machines.

Baranyi,
So, what is your verdict on the Marantz? Did the Stibbert ultimately win out?