Its unfortunate that it seems impossible to have a civil discussion about audio gear on an audio forum. Maybe this is a maga branded forum, sure seems like some are intent on making it so and imposing their own brand of political correctness. I didn't get that when I joined. I don't support your man politically, particularly after he announced at a funeral that he hates his political opponents like me. That dampens one's enthusiasm a bit. I did agree with several of his promises, and said so even before the election-no more wars, lower prices, peace in Ukraine in 24 hours, reducing the national debt. Also on controlling the border although my view is much closer to Mr. Reagan's. Its true that only the moderators can require a certain standard of conduct on a forum and the keyboard warriors can say whatever- make this political, insult anyone who disagrees, refer to a whole group of folks interested in this hobby as "nitwits," (about switches, for goodness sake) whatever you want to do. I'm sure I'll draw a flurry of insults as the positivity train is yet again in the ditch. I'll live with that, I don't need your affirmation anymore than you need mine. Its just that anyone not involved in this little hobby of ours would likely think this discussion is being carried on by a bunch of 14 year old mean girls, not grown men. Before you start calling me names, I have a modest suggestion made in good faith, one that I think a lot of folks on this forum might endorse. How about if we absolutely leave politics, religion, what kind of ice cream we like, whatever, out of this audio forum and just discuss audio-the singular interest that brought everyone to this forum. There are dozens-maybe hundreds of venues for the other stuff. Plenty of outlets for those that want to share. And when we discuss our audio issues, maybe we could refrain from name-calling, disparaging other's choice of equipment because they don't hear what we hear, or judging equipment and the owners based on how much money is involved? Just mutual respect for fellow enthusiasts and a dose of common courtesy. That's only a suggestion, but it might improve the experience. As to the studio player, I think OP acquired a fine piece of gear and hope he enjoys it for a long time. I had a chance a few months ago to hear the Studio Player and the Berkeley DAC swapped out in the same system and thought they were quite different, but both superb and couldn't imagine anyone not being happy with the Wadax. FWIW, I think I would prefer the Wadax to Esoteric, the comparison that started this, but it might be interesting to understand the point of view of someone who sees it differently. I hope you have a pleasant dayIts unfortunate that it seems impossible to have a civil discussion about audio gear on an audio forum. Maybe this is a maga branded forum, sure seems like some are intent on making it so and imposing their own brand of political correctness. I didn't get that when I joined. I don't support your man politically, particularly after he announced at a funeral that he hates his political opponents like me. That dampens one's enthusiasm a bit. I did agree with several of his promises, and said so even before the election-no more wars, lower prices, peace in Ukraine in 24 hours, reducing the national debt. Also on controlling the border although my view is much closer to Mr. Reagan's. Its true that only the moderators can require a certain standard of conduct on a forum and the keyboard warriors can say whatever- make this political, insult anyone who disagrees, refer to a whole group of folks interested in this hobby as "nitwits," (about switches, for goodness sake) whatever you want to do. I'm sure I'll draw a flurry of insults as the positivity train is yet again in the ditch. I'll live with that, I don't need your affirmation anymore than you need mine. Its just that anyone not involved in this little hobby of ours would likely think this discussion is being carried on by a bunch of 14 year old mean girls, not grown men. Before you start calling me names, I have a modest suggestion made in good faith, one that I think a lot of folks on this forum might endorse. How about if we absolutely leave politics, religion, what kind of ice cream we like, whatever, out of this audio forum and just discuss audio-the singular interest that brought everyone to this forum. There are dozens-maybe hundreds of venues for the other stuff. Plenty of outlets for those that want to share. And when we discuss our audio issues, maybe we could refrain from name-calling, disparaging other's choice of equipment because they don't hear what we hear, or judging equipment and the owners based on how much money is involved? Just mutual respect for fellow enthusiasts and a dose of common courtesy. That's only a suggestion, but it might improve the experience. As to the studio player, I think OP acquired a fine piece of gear and hope he enjoys it for a long time. I had a chance a few months ago to hear the Studio Player and the Berkeley DAC swapped out in the same system and thought they were quite different, but both superb and couldn't imagine anyone not being happy with the Wadax. FWIW, I think I would prefer the Wadax to Esoteric, the comparison that started this, but it might be interesting to understand the point of view of someone who sees it differently. I hope you have a pleasant day.