Dedicated cdps that excel in vertical soundstaging

So excel = added height? Not for me.

vertical imaging? guitars from the basement? From the ceiling? no way. looking for a cdp to get vertical imaging for under $1k? I don't think you'll find one for $15k that will help you. Placement of your speakers: and that's a big maybe for vertical imaging...peace, warren

Agreed with Warrenh - what you are looking for is a function of speaker/room matching and placement.

Agree with Warrenh & Esoxhntr, with emphasis on the speaker design, which is more important than the room interface to the extent that a lot of speakers will not give you the height factor except at loud volumes no matter how well you set them up, and some speakers won't give it up at all. Best case scenerio speakers that give you height at low volume. If its in the recording your electronics will pass the signal thru to your speakers. IMHO.

I forgot to mention. I don't believe there is such a thing as vertical imaging. Where do you expect these instruments to come from? I've been to a whole lotta jazz clubs, living in the Big Apple area. Never heard a piano coming out of the ceiling. Never heard brushes on a snare coming from way down there. Why would ya? Vertical imaging? I don't think so....