I also bought the Qstab for my MK2 and I fully concur with dwmb’s an wig’s impression of the benefits, with one addition. During the past 10 years I have really become more attracted to vocals. To reproduce vocals without an unwanted “raspy” quality sneaking in (especially in massed vocals) can be very difficult for CDs to accomplish. The Qstab actually helps clear up the raspy quality of vocals by adding clarity, detail and more pinpoint spacing to the vocals. Instead of a raspy, distorted quality, you can hear the individual vibratos of each voice. Perceived distortion disappears in favor of natural sounding realism.
Granted, it takes more than a little Qstab to fully realize this improvement, but the Qstab on top of the Jays actually helped smooth the sound of single and massed vocals by adding that last little touch of clarity, separation and correct timber to my system.
Oh. One last benefit. It’s one of the few things in audio that doesn’t require burn-in time. You can totally enjoy it - right out of the box!
on another note
I finally decided to buy the upgrade kit for my MK2. I was considering buying a new CDT2-MK3 or the new Project transport, but I have read complaints about mechanical noises or transformer humming coming from each of those units. Since my MK2 has been performing flawlessly and quietly (knock on wood) I figure I’ll stick with that and just improve it to the MK3. Also, the Project doesn’t fit well in my audio rack.
Opposing viewpoints are welcome.
