Yes, as Cenline has stated above, the Karan KA-i180. I was reading through this post to see if anyone would mention this masterpiece of audio gear. Don't believe me? Do you trust TNT audio? TNT audio review
I was using Melos Maestro tubed preamp ($2500.00 new) and a Melos MAT180 tubed amp ($5000.00 new) and replaced them with the KA-i180. The KA-i180 is solid state. I am using it with Merlin VSM-M speakers. Merlins are very revealing and the Karan sound is just like my Esound CD-E5 cd player (another great performer) That's right the Karan has no sound of its own. Just the way audio should be. If the cd is warm then so is the sound. You can't do better!
I was using Melos Maestro tubed preamp ($2500.00 new) and a Melos MAT180 tubed amp ($5000.00 new) and replaced them with the KA-i180. The KA-i180 is solid state. I am using it with Merlin VSM-M speakers. Merlins are very revealing and the Karan sound is just like my Esound CD-E5 cd player (another great performer) That's right the Karan has no sound of its own. Just the way audio should be. If the cd is warm then so is the sound. You can't do better!