The new Esoteric K-07x is worth considering. The “x” upgrade resulted in a completely different sounding “house” sound, no longer sterile and clinical. It’s possible to adapt the JDM version by replacing the transformer, if you are handy at the DIY.

I'll see if I can arrange a listening session with one. One of my local Head-Case friends has an Esoteric player and he is happy with it.

The new EMM Labs (made in Canada!) TX2 transport uses an Esoteric drive. Their DA2 DAC got a good review, but it is a little pricey: https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1081-emm-labs-da2-reference-digital-to-analog-converter

And there are the Meitner Audio MA-2, Hegel Mohican, Audio Research CD9, Cyrus Signature transport/DAC, and so many others. Call me old-fashioned, or maybe the jukebox scene from Akira just stuck in my head...

 

Edited April 7, 20188 yr by HiWire