My encounter with the D38r was brief so I cannot give recommendation. I can only tell of my opinion. I have also listened to d38 in that room with simular gears and I think they sounded a little different. The R has much more details but may be it needs more room to breathe; I found the highs took my attention, not bright but a little louder. I listened with VT100 and CJ 250. No problem with low volume and the mids are beautiful; much better than Cremona M and Sophia 2. Somehow, the bass is a bit undefined. The shop is about 4 x 5 meters sq.
