Oppo Vs Esoteric


Folks,
I would like to acknowledge the fact that I have heard the Esoteric players at AXPONA and coupe of other places. But my question is how much better is a Esoteric K-07X or K-05X compared to the Oppo UDP-205? I know that the Oppo UDP-205 is a killer machine for $1300. But it is a Jack Of All Trades, while the Esoteric is (soft of) Master Of One. So in that sense, can anyone let me know if it is really worth spending $$$$$ on the Esoteric (or a Marantz SA-10 or Luxman) compared to the Oppo?
Please share your experiences if you have compared the Oppo UDP-205 to any high end CD/SACD player.
Thanks!
128x128milpai

Showing 3 responses by mahler123

OP....I have an Opp 105 which I use as a transport into 2 DACs, the Mytek Manhatten and the Bryston BDA 3.  Both DACs clearly smoke the native Oppo DAC.  I have never heard Esoteric but when I listen to high Res Downloads or SACD with Oppo/Bryston combo or the Mytek for Redbook, it's hard to imagine how it could be any better
OP asked how a Oppo as a transport into a Bryston BDA 3 compared to a Luxman or a Marantz.  I can't answer about a Luxman, but I can say the Bryston is preferable in my book to every Marantz player that I have ever heard, especially the 805