ESOTERIC, WADIA -- How do they really sound?

I've experienced the same confusion (although my research has been limited to machines in the $5K to $6K price range). It's one thing to read diverging opinions as to performance, but quite another to read about noisy transport mechanisms, control software problems, and PCM/SACD integration issues in the BEST reviewed products. It seems like more than one person has reported such problems from Esoteric, Cary, et. al. It gives me pause that, no matter how good they may sound (and both the above sounded very, very good to me), these units may prove mechanically troublesome. I'm still scratching my head.

Yes, it can make assessment very subjective. In relation to your query I will make the following comments, based on my own journey:

I believe speakers make the biggest single impact to sonics-based on their ability to produce a desired "flavour" of sound ie.full range,midrange bloom, fast,smooth or dynamic, or combinations.

the source will refine the "flavour" of sound you may choose.

both become significant as the journey progresses. Thus it may make more sense to buy active bass driven speakers if you value true full range, dynamic sound than to buy a "full range, dynamic" source and small 2 way monitors.
It also generally costs more to get say 20% out of source vs. 20% out of speakers--in my experience.

Thus the advice is choose the flavour of speaker you like through careful and extensive listening, using a good general purpose source, then at some time later invest in the source of your desire(after amp/preamp choice), synergistically considering the speakers.

As far as Wadia and Esoteric go, I have listened extensively to friends Wadia, and others, and own Esoteric. The are both brilliant sources by any standards, although both have their own sonic flavour, strengths and weaknesses. However these weaknesses are in relative terms no more so than any other high end source.

Saxo, some of the most knowledgeable agoners in matters super-high-end digital are often found to roost and cluck companionably on "Reference DACS - An Overall perspective". You may want to join in the fun and post at:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1126769860&openflup&51&4#51

I have both an Esoteric P70/D70 combo and a Wadia 7/9 combo in the system. I've had the Wadia combo for about 5 years, and the Esoteric for about 6 months. Both are quite good. The Esoteric combo is a detail champ without being harsh and is quite revealing. I've kept the Wadia because it's not quite so ruthlessly revealing and sometimes makes poorly mastered CDs listenable.

If I had to keep only one it would be the Esoteric combo, though only by a nose.

I agree with the others - you really need to audition the brands yourself. At these price levels it might be worth a road trip to find out.

In my case I've used the Agon "buy it and try it" plan find the pieces I like. I sell off the stuff that doesn't work for me.

Saxo,

In my experience with Wadia 270SE transport, what you read---good or bad---are probably correct. The transport is excellent in many ways, I was thrilled when I first got it, but after the initial "wow" factor is over, I noticed it has an "edgy" treble character, which was most obvious in playing violin type of music, it made the violin sound hard and metalic. On the other hand, in playing rock and jazz, it was not objectionable. Then I tried a 270SE with GNSC mod, it is a whole lot better with much more natural---less digital---presentaton.

If you are not able to audition before purchase, I would say take everything you read into consideration, and then make your own judgement. I would also agree buy used so you do not have to stick with a wrong decision.