Hi Dave, Reg, Victor and "Two Dot",
Thanks for the compliments. I sure got a SHOCK after reading Victor's DSP9k being introduced. Phew!
After more than 36 hours of burn in, the "newer" things I noticed were:
1. The speakers fins are way much cooler than the older version.
2. At the same default volume setting "65", the newer pair seems to play LOUDER and CLEARER.
3. The mids and highs are more layered ... solid soundstage but with a greater sense of airiness and space behind the singer! Rather like having the entire band at the front stage, now the musicians / singers took on a more 3D presentation.
4. At loud levels, the bass, although still a "raw" now goes deeper and tighter than before. The Manhattans "Men Do Cry" lower bass notes took on a more controlled and palpable manner! The DSP8k, to me was already really, really good, yet the DSP8k.2 seemingly took it to another level, especially the speed, taughtness and delivery of the bass.
I dont think I can ever tie the improvements I hear to the dollars forked out BUT certainly, I am happy to be able to hear improvements.
I am looking forward to another 150 hours or so "run in" and after next weekend, I shall post a thorough "first impression" comparing the notes I took when I first had the "Black Color" version and the McIntosh XRT30's.
Cheers!