Nice one SCAudiophile,
Certainly looks like you've been through some wonderful gear on the Esoteric line up... and you've experienced it well enough to understand what it's all about.
I was only introduced to the brand just recently and absolutely loving it. As you say, synergy is very critical, and apart from cables and accessories, also system gear and matching. I'm using a full array of CJ amplification and ML CLX's, and adding in the Eso digital gear was like a match made in heaven. I firmly believe that was the missing link! Which questions myself, why on earth didn't I try/use Esoteric before. In the past I've used separates from Wadia, Meridian, Meitner, ARC, CJ and Mac, although quite good in every sense of the term digital playback, none of them quite deliver what the Eso gear does.
Anyway, at the end I guess it's all about system synergy and system integration. Plus with the right kind of setup and proper room for it, everything else falls into place nicely. That's when you can focus the soundstage perfectly similar to focusing a camera lense, to suit your tastes. All else is mighty fine!
Cheers, and enjoy those fine tunes!
RJ