Anyone heard the E.A.R. "Acute"?

I prefer separate DACs because the transport seems to be the weakest point in most CDPs.

I got the Siemens today. I didn't get the CCA but I got them from upscale audio. I put them in about 5 hours ago and I have been listening. They took this player to another level. Soundstage grew depth and width. The highs gain more air and were a little more pleasant the biggest improvement was in the midrange and bass. The midrange was clear with a tiny smidgen of warmth with no clarity loss. The bass went deeper and tighter. I'm glad I bought this player for my CDs. It's going to be here for a while.

I went from some nos amperex to nos Siemens

If you get this player. There is no way you should keep the stock tubes in. I still play CDs and this player will be here for a long time. The tubes took it from a 7.5 to a 9. The only CD player I heard that clearly better was the solutions 540 but at its price you can improve your whole system. This player clearly delivers. I'm extremely picky about my gear. Are there better players out here? Yes, but I think the better players are north of 10k in most cases. Finding this used was a steal for me. There is an artist from Spain named Buika. Female vocalist sings in spanish which I can't speak but she sings with so much emotion it's spell binding. The midrange with this Siemens tube is flat out amazing. If the CCA tubes is similar but better. I'm tempted because this sound has me sitting in my sweet spot.

Rja and Calvinj, thank you for all that information. It is extremely helpful to me. I am excited about my audition of the DAC 4 in my system tomorrow. I will let you all know how it sounds. I am still struggling with whether to go with a separate DAC and transport or the one box piece. Assuming I like it, I could go with the DAC 4 and my current transport (Musical Fidelity A3.2). Then if I wanted to, I could get the Acute 4 transport later. Alternatively, the cheaper option would be to wait for the new one box player, but the timing of production and availability are not yet definite (hopefully before the end of the year).