Marantz SA-10 Vs Esoteric K-05Xs

Haven't tried these exact players. But my experience with Marantz SA-series players had them sounding a little warm, sort of on the musical side, not dull but just a little toned down on the top end. Esoteric seemed much more lit up which is either good or bad depending on the rest of the system. 

I could see someone calling the Esoteric players "bright" or "thin". I could also see someone calling the Marantz SA models "too warm" or "overly thick". Both might be right. 

The newest Esoteric is using a different DAC design and I haven't heard those yet. So this might not even be accurate any longer.  

Besides the Marantz SA-10 and the Esoteric XS models (not the newer XD), the other player on my list was the Technics SL-G700 as they are going for $1800 pre-owned. I've read good things about that player with both CD and SACD playback, and not being "overly warm" like Marantz.

I had a Marantz modifed SACd player by Modwright and now own an Esoteric K-03xd player and yes is it is better than the Marantz. The difference is in that the resolution is more defined, better bass and the instrument placement is more defined without any hint of digital strain or harshness .

@goose thank you for the information. The new XD models by Esoteric look to use their own in-house DAC that now converts everything to DSD 512. The previous gen XS units used AKM brand DACs and gave the option on CD to not upsample or to go to higher resolution PCM or DSD512. This is that I gathered from reading the user manuals and specs on reviews. The Matantz SA-10 dose a PCM to DSD upsample on all discs as well. But I’m sure they would have a different sound.

Below were the models I was interested in (pre-owned)

Marantz SA-10 

Esoteric K-07XS, K-05XS, K-03XS

Technics SL-G700

FWIW, I have the Marantz SA-10 (purchased new), and it has been a great disc spinner and transport when I want to output a digital signal. It has mated well with an LTA Microzotl Pre (Level 2), Luxman C900u, and my current NAD M66. Both are highly resolving pre-amps—I don’t feel that the Marantz is leaving much, if anything, on the table in terms of resolution when compared to the best. When comparing the analog and digital outputs, information is the same, just a small difference in presentation between the internal DAC and an external one.

I enjoy both SACD (mostly classical) and regular CD (all genres) on the SA-10 and have no regrets with the purchase. I expect it to be in my system for a long time.