Accuphase or Esoteric?

I have had the K-03 now for about 8 months. As far as the noisy transport, I also read posts of a few remarking on this. My unit works silently and flawlessly. Esoteric is perhaps best known for their VRDS mechanism. They indicate the new VRDS-NEO VMK mechanism is an improvement over previous versions of their VRDS. There are several reference quality companies that use this mechanism in the design of their units, as they are highly regarded for performance and reliability. Nothing is always perfect so I can only conclude folks with noise issues have something seriously wrong with their unit. I use the K-03 for CD/SACD playback and for computer audio. For computer audio I have an Audio Quest Carbon USB directly to the USB input/DAC from a highly modified headless Mac Mini and also Audio Quest Carbon USB to Bel Canto REFLink USB Converter feeding the K-03 using a Transparent Ref 75Ohm Digital cable. My system is capable of portraying even the most discrete micro/macro transients and the level the K-03 has taken my rig is nothing shy of amazing. Once you get the settings dialed in to your liking, just sit back and enjoy the music. I have a hard time thinking that anyone acquiring this unit would be anything but highly satisfied; it is truly a reference quality swiss army knife of playback units. Have not heard the K-03, but; have spoken to others that have listened side by side and the improvement/feedback varies from a 10% - 20% improvement in performance. That said several dealers I have spoken with have commented this represents the best value in the current K line.

I'm starting to think that I asked an unfair, or perhaps, unanswerable question. A lot of people are advising the Esoteric, but I get the sense that few, if any, have actually heard an Accuphase. I know they don't get reviewed in the major stereo magazines, have a pretty small dealer network, and are pretty expensive. I can see that the Esoteric players have a loyal following, but I'm still not sure I've gotten many real comparisons. I do appreciate the comments that have been made so far, though.

If I had an expensive SACD player that sounds wonderful I would have it repaired. Just sayin.

Forget the Accuphase and Esoteric if your worried about cost. The new Marantz Reference SA-11S3 for $4K will get you all the high end performance you could ever want from a digital player. Has the warmth and smoothness of the Accuphase and all the dynamics, detail and transparency of the Esoteric. Weighs 38 pounds with a decent power supply. Has filter settings like the Esoteric models to tailor the sound to your liking. The unit is constantly out of stock and usually there is a two week waiting period. Outstanding quality and transport. A steal for the price.

I just stumbled across this thread and feel that Audiozen is onto something. Presently, I'm breaking in the Marantz SA-15S2b and am simply taken aback at what I'm hearing. It's still early and it's my first SACD player but it's making me rethink my preconceptions about Marantz and this hobby in general. One need not overspend to get really good sound.

From what I've read and in correspondence with a reviewer who taste I now trust (he steered me to the SA-15S2b) the SA-11S3 is a force to be reckoned with. Could it be that Marantz is becoming an alternative to Accuphase, Esoteric or Luxman?

All the best,
Nonoise