I bought these after much research and it is unbelievable how these play music. I have a Arcam FMJ CD33 and a Denon 3910. Both of these a highly rated but the music was just ok. I had Audioquest cables and there was little life to whatever I played. I also have speakers with 10" woofers and i kept feeling I should be hearing more bass. When I plugged these in my system if I was amazed. The sources sounded as good as they were rated. The lower mid and bass appeared with a bang. It just sounded like real music. I like classical music and go to concerts in NYC. Finally my system sounds like a live event. That is the highest praise.