Yes, ALL of your comments and suggestions were very helpful. It's extremely difficult trying to narrow things down to 2-3 models without having the benefit of auditioning, but based on messaging with others (including some former colleagues who still play in major symphony orchestras), I went...

Thanks to everyone that responded thus far.   I only wish that I was IN a position to audition some CANS, but the reality is that my present career puts me in places that barely have consistent electricity, let alone ANY Hi-Fi shops! The closest city with any HOPE of such a place is thousands...

Wow, this is great information! Thanks to ALL those who responded. I will definitely use that data when making my next HP purchase.   But just to be CLEAR : the above-mentioned list would be BEST for overall soundstage in a classical / symphonic genre, as well as Jazz (straight-bop, be-bop...

Greetings & Salutations! It's taken quite a while for me to finally post (after having joined in 2010), but I have an "excuse" due to living / working in 5 countries in the last 4 years!   As a former symphonic musician having performed in all the major concert halls in Europe, the USA, and...

Well, thank you for the very "philosophical" reply. I suppose the logical action would be to have separate reviews done of the "combo" units, so it's an "apple to apples" comparison?

OK, I know I am showing my "newbie-ness" here but is it fair (and reasonable) to compare these $200 price range units, when some are only (dedicated) amps, while others on the list are DAC / AMP combos?   In looking over the list, is there a quick way to see (without reading the entire review...