Fred,
Let us know what you think about your digital shootout of the MPS-5 vs XDS1 vs Esoteric. I have auditioned both the MPS-5 and XDS1 (along with Ayre C5XE-MP, Krell Standard 3, Linn Akurate DS). I'm very curious to see if you hear the same things I did. My system is probably not as resolving as yours.
Cheers, -Isaac