What to say about the first impressions of the sound. Well it was quite an eye (or ear) opener. Overall I think the term revealing would probably best describe my first impression. There were suddenly things in a recording which I had not previously heard. This applies especially to higher quality (SACD or DVD-A) recordings where I feel that there is a significant improvement at both the top and bottom end of the frequency spectrum. It just sounds like there is more there. The bass performance is significantly better than the AV5140’s whilst still remaining tightly controlled. Also bass does not become overbearing in any way, which is something I have often found to be the case with some other well-known brands I have auditioned in the past. What is most impressive is the mid-range where the voices seem to come out clearer and with a more natural timbre than I had experienced previously. On the treble front I think the best way to describe it is to say that in many cases where previously there could at times be some harshness this has disappeared although it feels like there is more content to what one is hearing, hard to describe to be honest. What was also interesting is that later in the evening when I turned the volume down to relatively low levels the quality of what one hears remains truly impressive. So I can summarise that based on one evenings listening I am very impressed but not in a flashy way. The speakers seem to disappear into the background so that one listens to the music and can feel where the various people playing are positioned both laterally and in depth.

I would like to thank you for what can best be described as a very pleasant purchasing experience and given the opportunity will pass this on to others. To put it into a nutshell great service and a great product! When I have finally set everything up I will give you a bit more feedback.