Stan's DAC is quite subtle - the separation is great & now it's settled positioning is stable. Valve is warm & I am impressed by the Duet!there is betterment to be had, but sitting back listening to Eartha Kitt is goood! If u feel the emotion in the music it must be doing something right! Can't wait to set up the Krell, but what speakers??? Maggies are out of my price range! might even buy another squeezebox player for it! thanks for your help so far! discussing hifi is an important part of it!