To the point. I lean on audio engineering facts not audio marketing regurgitation. Fact, this is where the point of severe diminishing returns sets in past the CD60. This has to be the pinnacle of CD players - minus if you want to change the DAC for a different sound flavor, not for transparency. I have had many CD players in the past 40 yrs. This is all you well ever need sans changing to an external DAC or using the DAC in your amp by connecting it coaxial. If the recording has soundstage than you will hear a very satisfying wide soundstage, If the recording has good instrument separation, you will hear it form the CD60. If you have poor recording you will hear it and it will sound very displeasing - as in what garbage is this CD or is there no self respect left in the artists to allow such a horrible recording. The CD60 is transparent with bad recordings. I love this player. You can lie to yourself and if you have the budget sure go splurge on SCAD and let me know if you heard anything different. I highly recommend this CD60. The Head phone amp drives both my 300ohm headphones without a sweet at about half volume. Excellent product. Highly recommend it. 4 stars because I prefer the sound of a Burr brown Dac which I will be changing too.