Meridian 808.3 to replace Esoteric X-03 SE?

While I am unable to provide comment regarding the 808.3 (I had the 808.2 in home for a month for audition but obviously that's an earlier model), in that price range, you should be auditioning other models as well (e.g., EMM XDS1, dCS Puccini plus U-Clock, Spectral SDR-4000SL, etc.) and preferably in your system.

I wouldn't go with the Meridian. I had a 508.24 and an 800. They just don't come alive with music. I would look at the Ayre universal player and the Cary 206 CD/SACD player. Both are extremely good and can compete with anything out there but they do sound different from each othe. You will have to listen to them both and decide which one you like better.

Loved my 808.2 so much I sold it to buy 808.3 but lost out on a good buy due to slower sale of my 808.2. The owner of the 808.3 sold the Meridian to keep his Esoteric, I think it was the model you have??? Never heard the Esoteric, but the 808.2 is great and the 808.3 is supposed to be even better! Whether you sell yours or buy the Meridian you have great digital!