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

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).

Also, I wonder whether tube rolling is as much of an issue with their newer products?

@arsh. My experience is that the nos tubes allow you to fine tune to your systems and tastes. I feel like a kid in a candy store because I wanted this piece bad and one came up. I always wanted to try this however sometimes pieces don't meet your expectations. This one has with the tubes change to the Siemens. I will always tube roll from now on. It's like being able to change your product to your system and tastes by changing the tubes. I'm using high fidelity ultimate interconnects and these tubes ended up being a prefect match. I've listen to music about 10 hours in the last day and a half since I put them in. Without the tubes the player was just good with them they are special. I wish I would have gotten the seimens CCA. They are more expensive though.

Thanks Calvinj. Glad you are enjoying the new tubes! I guess I will need to learn a bit more about tube rolling if I get the EAR.

Well I have tried the telefunkens and amperex so far. Look the review by 8xlor I think. Look at what he said about the seimens tubes. From what I hear. He speaks the truth. I have never been happier with a CD player