Yes, I found that the midrange is a "little" laid back - my soundstage moved further back - - and on some pieces the leading edge seems further in the soundstage - so, I suspect some tradeoff...that's why my audition took so long. Overall, I liked what the fuse did, but I don't think you are wrong on what you are hearing. On most music, I preferred what it did musically, more air space, bigger soundstage, while smoother and better dynamics. There was also a little more meat on the bones for instruments and vocals with the QSA fuse. But these could be perceived as reduction in the leading edge, perhaps? It is a system balancing act. I also got more "clarity" -