Esoteric SA-10 or Ayre CX-7e: Too close to call??

I owned an SA 10 for 2 weeks this Summer. I didn't like it that much as I found it very uninvolving. Previously I had an Esoteric DV50 which I loved and should have kept. I am now using an Esoteric UX-3 player which I love and will keep.

The SA 10 sounded too smooth. Music that I knew well and had a lot of dynamics sounded flat on the SA 10. I think it had to do with the Cirrus Logic dac Esoteric was using in it. If you like smooth buttery sound with little dynamics, it may be just the ticket for you. I have never heard the Ayre, so I can't discuss.

Buy what you have heard and liked. No matter what others may say about another player, it may not be to your tastes. Get over the anxiety of thinking about other players you haven't heard and thinking they might be better, because that's just a waste of energy.

Over the last two months you have been all over the map asking questions about every piece of equipment.(speaker cable, interconnects, amp, pre, CD players.) Why do you insist on letting a community of audio enthusiasts, whom you have never met and have not experienced their tastes and vice-versa pick "YOUR" gear?

Do you want a bunch of strangers to pick your dinner menu as well?

Get out and listen and make your own observations and decide for yourself. You are making a huge and costly mistake by constantly asking for endless recommendations. Merry-go-round.

Buy something and listen to it for three or four weeks and if you like it keep it and be happy, if not sell it.

You have been around long enough to know that these threads NEVER produce an answer, only a mis-mash of gear to confuse you.

IMO, you are chasing your tail with this methodology and will always question your decision and your component selection. You will likely not enjoy your journey and your appreciation for the music (remember the MAIN GOAL)... will suffer.