The CD5001 is supposed to replace CD5400 as the entry level player, which suggests that CD5001 is an updated version of CD5400.I've heard people preferring CD5400 over CD5001, but you need to make a comparison yourself if you really want to know which is better.

After audition the ProAC tablet 3, and studio, I would still prefer Opera 1.5.
Another speaker I am getting crazy over

1.The Focus Audio FS-68 or FS-688 series.
2. Sonus Faber Signum
3. AAD Reference silver-1

I would prefer second hand one, given the high cost of above items

I wonder if there is any other speaker i should pay attention to and what is your comment on the above

After going thru the audition for Focus Audio FS-68SE, I found the soundstage is quite wide, especialy the mid and high are very engaging and revealing and uncolor. However the bass shop is not my area of visit. one just dont vote Focus for that, inc the FC30. The other audition is AAD Silver-1. The famous AAD 2001 (audition during the AV show in crystal crown) has got a follow up. The curve sharp of Silver-1 carry the marks of Phil Jone philosophy. Sharp and punch bass. At first I audition the ATC SCM7 and monitor audio. After switching over to AAD Silver-1, gosh, u feel like driving on highway with 20 lanes .  This really make me think to save money than buying something for sale later.

so now I have narrow down to
1. Opera prima 1.5
2. AAD silver-1
3. Sonus signum

trouble is where to audition the famous signum (and for the price i can only afford 2nd hand).

Well i used soundstage 1.5 (tubeamp about RM 1000) and quite musical. Bring your own CD. u can audition at Amcorp mall and city square 3rd floor. the review

http://stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/707aad/

rgds price, pls pm me what they offer you. I can get better.

Does anyone know about Opera-Consonance bookshelf speakers. It seems the Opera consonance speakers Eric 1 is quite similar to Opera speakers
https://www.ornec.com/Opera_Consonance_Eric...aker_QQC100539B

Tong lee confirm this is not the same as opera.

I have been looking for power amp. the target i have found are basically vintage power amp, second hand good unit.

i have found

1. rotel RB 1070
2. Exposure 2010 power amp
3. musical fidelity A300
4. krell KSA
5. Krell KST
6. Naim NAP200

My speaker is B&W 602S3. I have like the power amp to drive a Harbeth/ATC later. what do you think of the above power amp.

It appears, instead of KST (which is class AB), might as well get KSA since KSA uses newer tech and components, also newer...

It seems u are running the opposite, unless u have lots of $$$, else i suggest u get a good speakers. Amps are expensive, second hand amps costs less, but, electronics can fail, tubes can fail. for speakers electronics i.e. cross overs to fail, i dont really know off.
I dunno what warmer sound u intend to get. but garbage in garbage out, means u spend peanuts, u get peanuts. another way is to save enuf $$$ and invest on the unit that u later wan.
its up to you. british products are more 'warm' or mid like u say. it depends on yr budgets.

I am now using a ciplak amp to drive my 602 S3, pasar malam dvd player and a china made DAC. I am very happy with it. Recently I changed the tubes to Mullard, and I feel more warm and substance that the Mullard brings and I am also surprise by the wider soundstage, and the bass slam (the base attack is not as strong as telefunken tubes). Well that 2xECC82 tubes are not cheap. I wanted to get telefunken, but $$$.

I just found out that my DAC comes with volume adjustment. I am wondering to use following setup

dvd player -> ZERO DAC -> Class A Power amp -> speakers.

what do you sound terrible, are u using pre out to amp or not. I am using the digital optical cable (stock cable with the DAC). I just roll the opamp to a more tube like sound, still trying to hear out the difference. the feeling is less fatigue.

Have anyone heard of the good review of Usher Audio? Usher S520 vs Monitor Audio Br2. Which one prefer?