Lector Digicode/Digidrive vs Esoteric and Cary?


I realize this thread should probably fall under the "wretched excess/leave well enough alone" category, but here goes:

For the past six months or so I've owned the top-of-the-line Lector transport/DAC combo, and I find it gloriously musical.

But my audiophile-neurotic imp is whispering in my ear that the Esoteric X-01 that I briefly owned a year ago was more involving and exciting, but maybe, just maybe, less musical and "right." And the old fingers are beginning to itch.

I don't really have the sonic memory to compare the two sounds in any meaningful sense.

Anyone out there with recent experience with the Lector combo and the new Esoteric X-01 Limited? I gather that the new Cary is also a "contendah." (I'm not quite ready to spring for the EMM combo).

I appreciate anyone taking the time to read this and respond.
williamsims
It takes the wisdom of others to help me ignore that little demon sitting on my shoulder. Thank you all for the proverbial and collective whack across the chops.
You want, involving,exciting,musical and right- think Wadia/GNSC... Gloriously musical? You betcha...
Aolmrd1241, I owned and enjoyed a Wadia 861se a couple of years ago but sold it when it looked like the company might go under. Is this the unit you're referring to with the GNSC mod? Please tell me more. -- Bill
The itch may turn into a scratch. You have another option- the new Emm Labs CDSA SE one box at $9995. Scratch away!

Emm Labs CDSA SE

I also owned the Cary 306 SACD and it was an excellent machine.
I auditioned an Esoteric X-01 in my system and didn't care for it.

Have fun!
Bill, yes, the 861se with the statement mod is what I"am referring to. The 861se on its own is a very fine machine in its own right,but, imho, to get the very last drop of musicality out of it, GNSC- Steve Huntley and CO. have put some wonderful- magical "know how" into it and they have come up with the best redbook player that I have ever heard. I certainly have not heard everything out there, but with this machine, I indeed am done looking...8^)