^ For sure zenpunk and (what I could understand) uelover - points well taken.
But what I was getting at was all the variables involved. To mention a few: HRTF, listening preferences; sample variance from the tracks one happened to use at the time.
There is so much variance I wouldn't even begin to take any one person's report (mine definitely included) very seriously. At least a scientific study can be scrutinised: its methodology, measures, data and analysis. However, too much is hidden in what we report about our equipment findings, from ourselves as much as from others.
That said, I find your (zenpunk's) impression congenial. I found the StageDAC sat between the minimax and bifrost in voicing, neither plumbing the minimax's depths of bass nor reaching the (slightly) top-tilted clarity of the bifrost. Tonal texture and presentation, however, was something else: voice and solo instruments were highlights.
This might just be me...
It no doubt contributes to our different perceptions that I'm not sensitised to soundstage with headphones. I find my speakers much better in this area.
