My turn.

[bAd]

Great response!  It makes sense.  I also own HDVA600 which I don't have anything good to say about.  (Probably for the same reason.)  I don't hear any depth, clarity, and separation in it as others with nice DAC's can't stop raving about.  As of right now as far as I can hear HDVA600 is really well balanced in the sound spectrum, but also really blurry. So there we go!  I'm saving money for a DAC.  Any reasonable suggestions?
Thank you.

 

[Strikkflypilot]

From an audiologist point of view, the hearing potential of the listener is of course also important.
For different reasons, the tolerance levels in certain frequencies may be lower for some listeners than for others.

 

[bAd]

Yes sir. Well said. That's why I'm a big fan of EQing NOT the music material, but headphones to compensate for all the resonance taking an effect in my ear. What sounds good to me may not sound good to someone else. Every ear is different.
Cheers!