My c2 sound amazing. There is a slight bit of brightness that is apparent but not drastic, I prefer a bit of brightness as opposed to warm. The biggest change has been soundstage. I now swear that there is music comming from in back of me. The DAC is very good except for the LFE issue.o I miss the newer features, not so much as I use this mostly for music from a server. The only real pain is the remote. I ended up just leaving it alone and living with the settings that were already programmed in. I may mess with it again along with the software settings for the processor, but it sound fine and more than fine for the price. Of course I would have liked to purchased a newer processor but yikes what a price difference and I don't need HDMI. So all in all I really like this processor but still don't see it as a permanent solution, just need more money and the wifes ok for more money invested but I think new speakers are next, my Focal 806V's are good but would like a smaller floorstander possibly.