Hi, Dokosan. Welcome!

I've listened to both with regular CD's and preferred the Ayre - but it was on different systems, so your mileage may vary.

The Esoteric DV60 is in the same budget range and I think it to be nearly identical in sonics to the Ayre; but the Esoteric has some sampling choices that I've gotten to play with and I really dig them.

It's worth your while to check out the Esoteric before making a final choice.

One other thing to consider. Charles Hansen, the owner of Ayre, is one of the classiest people in Hi Fi. There is some value in knowing that a product will have someone like him standing behind it.

Keep us posted on your quest!

Another post on this forum reminded me...

Consider APL Hi Fi, too!

I haven't heard the Marantz but the Ayre CX7e is killer. It has bettered the other four or five players that I've heard in that price range.