Best SACD: Modwright OPPO vs Esoteric X03 series?


There seem to be about 5 of each available on Audiogon right now for about $3k +/- $300. I can maybe stretch my budget and lay my hands on cash in few days. In the mean time, I need to decide which type is likely to sound better. I am running a hodge-podge system made from a few 'over achievers' and a lot of attention to detail. Amps are 600w D-Sonic and the preamp is a W4S STP buffered passive. Speakers are 6.1 Genesis and most of my cabling is from Kaplan or his new Waevform Fidelity. I have no chance to audition either model as the Milwaukee area is kind of an audiophile dessert, and would appreciate hearing from anyone who has.
mcbuddah

Showing 2 responses by steelhead

I cannot answer your question directly as I have no experience with the Oppo.

Purchased a used X03SE off the gon from a cat moving up to the K01. One of the best used purchases I have ever made. I use two turntables, reel to reel, cassette, and Alesis masterlink. The Esoteric is a superb unit and I will state that it is very analog like with warmth and detail. I use tubes and prefer older darker tubes so have some background for a warm presentation which I personally prefer.

Worried about the upgrade from a Sony 777 moving to the esoteric as I have never heard one prior to purchase. One of the best gambles I ever made. In fact, a buddy borrowed it and after a few days ended up buying a K03 from a dentist moving up to the K01. I would love to throw in a K01 but honestly the X03SE is a sheer delight and built to a quality standard that guarantees pride of ownership.

Have Fun!
Jafant,

I use triode wires labs digital American power cord and triode wire labs spirit interconnects on my X03SE.

Dressed it up nice and I am a very very happy camper.

I only want to throw in a K01 or K01X as by happenstance I found two cats both moving from current Esoteric to near top of the chain. The X03SE is a wonderful and totally satisfying (to me) spinner. Very curious about the KO1 but a little out of my comfort zone on price. A used X03 or 3SE would be a fantastic cost to benefit ratio player in my opinion.

Have Fun!