CD players - Luxman vs. Esoteric?

It is not possible to demo any Luxman cd players in my city, nor is it possible to compare Luxman to Esoteric.

Like many people, I would have to make a special order and buy a Luxman cdp sight unseen.

I have seen and played with the Esoteric X-05, but I am wondering how performance, build quality, and transport compares to the similarly priced Luxman D-06.

Regards,

Mark

The Esoteric X-05 has received a lot of good critical press, but Luxman cd players seem to be less well known.

How do these two brands compare?

Regards,

Mark

I have an Esoteric UX-1 that I had Esoteric upgrade to a UX-1pi, while retaining the original transport. It has their best transport. Esoteric is a pleasure to deal with and seems to me to be path of least resistance in your case. Build quality of Esoteric products is also excellent.

Additionally, I believe Luxman products need to go to Japan for repairs, whereas Esoteric does it in California.

Thank-you.

In my city there are three Esoteric dealers and only one Luxman dealer (but no Luxman cdp on display).

I have seen, touched, and listened to the Esoteric X-05 and admired its excellent transport. I have only been able to see Luxman cdp on the web. How does the transport sound and feel when you open the drawer, and how does it compare to Esoteric? That is not a question I can answer, nor can I hear it play music.

As you say, Esoteric is the path of least resistance. I could do worse.

Regards,

Mark