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