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

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.

Chayro, I think you missed the point again. Audio is not a "source of grief" for me.I enjoy the "helpful" and reasonable responses to my threads, and reading the threads of others. However, rude, intolerant, and overly self-assured people ARE a source of grief. Even though, you don't completely fall into that category as Tom6897, you are nibbling at the edges.

Take a look at Stereo5's response above yours. That, to me is helpful advice without the chastizing lecture. I always offer advice to members if I have knowledge of a particular component,or to issues of acoustics and speaker placement, etc.

Case closed!!! After 41 years of doing audio, maybe, it is time to learn how to sail, surf, and paint sunsets.

Sunnyjim - What value was Stereo5's post when he could not compare it to the Ayre? In his opinion, the Esoteric was "too smooth", but you might love it. Judging from your post history, you are just another neurotic audiophile, endlessly asking questions and never reaching a high degree of satisfaction with your system. Case (really) closed!!!.

Charyo, I was correct; you and Tom6897 are cut from the same cloth.....judgemental, arrogant, and opinionated

Let me see if I can find an old Rolling Stones copy of "I Can't Get No (Satisfaction)" Should provide the appropriate musical background necessary to create, by your myopic standards, more unsettling threads.