ESOTERIC, WADIA -- How do they really sound?

This is a definite problem if you cannot audition the players yourself. The problem is inherent in our extremely subjective hobby. What sounds great to me may sound muddled and horrible to someone else. There is no way to make a definitive assessment of anything. We could try and use absolute data such as measurements but even this information can vary from test to test depending on the myriad of inter-related things that could effect the sound. Numbers also do not capture what we perceive inbetween our ears. So in a nutshell you are screwed! :)

Do whatever you can to come up with your own opinion of the players. At the end of the day, it does not matter what anyone else says as long as you like what you are hearing.

Buy and sell used on A-gon. While it may be psooible to break even or come out ahead, allow a couple hundred dollars loss on each transaction, and buy and sell until you find what you like. Even at a couple hundred dollars a transaction, you will still end up saving vs. buying new. The other option is to shop your local stores for their used gear. You may still have hte option of returning / home trial, but pay used prices. You need to be patient until the piece you want shows up.

it's all a matter of personal prefference.
that's why you see different things being said.
at times same component performs differently in the context of different systems. what makes you concentrate on the Esoteric and Wadia? what do you currently have that you need to upgrade?

Saxo, what is almost universally true is that even those digital players that have a volume control do in fact benefit from a linestage. You may think of the volume attenuator in the player as something to be used 'in a pinch'. Most of my experience is on the TEAC X-01 in its various incarnations, which by the way does not have a built-in volume control and needs to be used with a linestage at all times. I am not quite sure how the device can remotely be characterized as mechanical, thin, reedy, flat, lacking dynamics, or of possessing any of the various stereotypical defects routinely lobbed at digital players. The device has tremendous dynamics and very subtle microdynamics, a soundstage to die for, tremendous extension, exceedingly detailed and -- at least for me and so many other audiophiles out there -- it embodies the word 'musicality'.
All of this. . . provided the unit has been properly broken in, with at least 800 hours of playing time, otherwise all of those negative stereotypes will apply without reservations and in spades to boot.
Having said that, I also said so many times that there is no absolute best. You may love the intense beauty of the sound generated by products of this brand, or you may not. You may very well prefer a slightly more 'romantic' presentation afforded by some other make. In the Esoteric line I suggest you have a listen to some very well broken in units of the X-03 SE, the X-01 Limited, and if you preferred a slightly warmer sound and your budget allows it -- the P-03/D-03 combo.

These extremely rarefied products are usually critcized by
those who don't even own them and invariably have an agenda you will identify if you are able to talk to them.
The comments you mention certainly don't apply to these fabulous products from exceptionally reputable companies.