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.
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.