Marantz

Many Thanks! for sharing guys-

I really enjoy Esoteric spinners and I did not want to (potentially) miss a better player in Marantz.  Happy Listening!

I've owned the X0-1, 5, and 7 Esoterics, and they were/are all excellent spinners, particularly the X0-1 (in my case, modded). That said, my Marantz SA-7S1 is a cut above in the musicality department. It just has a way of disappearing into a soundstage (I know that's a weird phrase) that has eluded the Esoterics in my room. But I'm really splitting hairs. The Esoterics are fabulous machines. 

Interesting lynott-

is the SA-7S1 a current spinner or older machine?

lynott-

I have only heard the Esoteric SA/DV- 50/60 series. Still, I really enjoyed the sound and presentation. I have read that the DV-50s is one of the best and budget friendly.  I would love to demo a X-01 or X-03, as well as, any "SE" / "Limited" spinners.

I have heard several models of Esoteric players, they are a very different animal from the Marantz players, IMHO.
The Esoteric are very resolving and articulate, a bit too analytical for my tastes though.
I am a fan of vinyl, and the Marantz players allow me to listen to digital music without grinding my teeth.

The 7S1 is an older, discontinued CDP. It was the most expensive model that Marantz ever produced. It listed for $6500 - $7000 and was discontinued about 4 years ago. You can find them used for under $3K.

The top current Marantz model is the SA-11S3, which lists for $4000.