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.

Tom6897. First, I pick my own equipment. I have the last word on what I buy!!!! Considering the opinions of other is not by default either wrong or inappropriate, especially if they have better access to the components in question. I did not realize Audiogon has installed a thread surveillance system so we can ridicule those who have questions and seek advice

Second, I live in Honolulu, Hawaii which more or less is the backwaters of hi-end audio. There are two major high end dealers who are not necessarily open to loaners, or home demoes, and generally sell at retail. To depend on internet dealers for home trials is financial suicide because of the expense of shipping to and from the mainland. An internet dealer may ship you a product for free but you must pay for return shipping. Also, I am not of the habit of buying a product, trying it for a couple of weeks, and then shipping it back for a refund because the same shipping costs apply; and, believe it or not, it is a pain in the ass to repack to avoid restocking fees.

Third, your attitude is not only counter to the spirit of this site, but insulting to me personally. I did not ask for your e-mail address or cell number to contact you at 3:00 AM in the morning for advice. You have no idea what my physical condition might be; I might be in a wheelchair and disabled, or weakened by chemotherapy and unable to get around much. Fortunately, neither is the case.

Fourth, It is none of your goddamn business as to what methodology I use to assess and evaluate equipment. I did not realize the membership had voted you the spokesperson of the site....or guardian against what you consider frivolous threads

BTW, you and member "Chayro" seem to come from the same intolerant, opinionated, self righteous mold. Actually, by denigrating and questioning the advice of other members, you equally insult them and their knowledge and experience of high end audio. Jim

Sunnyjim, you are a riot. You don't want to pay full price, you don't want to ship, you don't want to pack, you don't want to pay restocking fees. Yet, you somehow want A'gon members to magically tell you which player you will enjoy listening to. You said you heard and liked the Ayre, so I suggested that it was sensible to purchase something you were familiar with. I'm sorry this offended you but I thought it was sound advice when I gave it. Perhaps you are realizing that was pretty silly to ask strangers whether you should purchase something you know you like or something you have never heard. I don't mean to insult anyone, but if you have two dealers, I suggest to avail yourself of their services, pay their price and hopefully pick out some gear you will be happy with for years to come rather than trying to do it by telepathy. Ultimately, you will save money and, more important - you might just enjoy audio instead of it being a source of grief, as it is to so many audiophiles who endlessly buy and sell. Best of luck to you.