Hi,
Based in large part on the TAS review and on a demonstration by the retailer here in Denver, I purchased a DRC-205 this weekend. I am using it with the following equipment:
Speakers: Magnepan MG-12
Amplifier: PS Audio GCC-100
CD Player: Marantz SA-11 S1
Conditioner: Equi=Tech Son of Q. Jr.
With the unit "engaged," tonal balance in my 22' D X 17' W X 12' H listening room is dramatically changed. String bass is far more prominent and forceful, as are the lower registers of male and female voices and acoustic guitars. An audiophile friend who owns a very expensive set of Krell Speakers and an equally expensive Krell amplifier was very impressed.
I also hear much more ambient information. This has been especially true for my classical recordings, which are now rendered with much more information about the performance venue. Image specificity is significantly improved as well.
I was very nervous about digital artifacts, since this is something to which I am fairly sensitive. To date, I have not heard anything I would attribute to the D/A or A/D conversion. Of course the 24/96 word length/sampling rate offers considerably more resolution that the 16/44 redbook format. It is also worth noting that in spite of the addition of another analog stage, this unit has not increased my noise floor perceptibly.
I chose this unit in preference to the Lyngdorf because it allows the user to define custom response curves, a feature I might use if I decide that the current presentation is too warm or romantic. That said, the Lyngdorf an outstanding product which may use a more sophisticated room correction algorithm.
I can't account for the divergent reviews. It's possible that the unit receiving the "MidFi" rating was defective or that the reviewer is especially sensitive to the signal components modified by the room correction process. It's also possible that when the novelty of what the Copland does wears off, I'll hear more flaws.
That said, it's worth pointing out that a lot of hi end equipment is rendered functionally MidFi or worse by room interactions. That might explain some of the truly dissapointing exhibits I saw this year at RMAF. If room correction provides a net gain, it's worth considering. No amount of room treatment will render smooth frequency response to this extent. If anyone is interested I can provide updates as I continue listening.
