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Anyone compared Esoteric to EMM labs products

I am in the process of looking for another CD/SACD/Universal player (one piece or two piece unit) and was curious if anyone here has compared the Esoteric products to the EMM Labs products. If so, I would like to know your thoughts.
Thanks
Byron
byfo
byfo OP
120 posts
 
John, my budget is about $5,000 (I would like to buy used)so I'm curious to know alittle bit more about the Marantz SA-7S1. I too prefer the sound of vinyl over digital. It would be great to get as close to that smooth vinyl sound with a digital front end. Can you let me know your thoughts on how the Marantz player reproduces lows, mids and highs.
thanks
Byron
lapierre
547 posts
 
Byron I've audition Ayre CX-7e CD player with Vandersteen 5A. Pretty nice player for under 4k.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Byron, the strength of the Marantz is that you stop dissecting the music and just listen. Overall, I would say that the Esoteric's have deeper bass and more extended high's. The Marantz has fuller bass and smoother high's, it also has a sweeter midrange. Somewhat similar to comparing good SS (Esoteric) with good tube (Marantz) sound.

I know some who prefer the Esoteric, I know some who prefer the Marantz. It's really best if you can listen for yourself.

Cheers,
John
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
In your price range the Ayre C-5XE can be had used. it is very good.
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