Tube CDP/DAC sound: too "refined"?

Speakers that got the midrange right in my room:

ProAc Response 2.5
Merlin TSM MX
Spendor 3/1
Spendor 3/5
Harbeth C7 2
Dynaudio Focus 140 & 110

I'm now using Audio Physic Steps and getting excellent midrange. I think there are lots of speakers today that get it right. I know the Audio Physic is a German design but it gives me just the right amount of detail and fullness of tone.

If my room was big enough I'd have the smallest of the new Quads.

By the way, you've gotta be suspicious of anyone who uses "Jazz At The Pawnshop" to demonstrate a system. Check out "Organic Grooves" by Essence All Stars and "Andrew!!!" by Andrew Hill.

Detlof - How long ago did you hear the offensive Burmester system? I ask because I heard a Burmester system at CES a couple years ago, and it was one of hte most musically engaging systems I heard - very detailed and revealing to be sure, but one of the most non-fatiguing sounds at the show. If anything, it erred on the side of richness in the midbass. I'm wondering if they have had a change of house sound over the years

Honest1, honestly I don't know. When did the pawnshop LP come out? Sometime in the eighties? All I recall was that the Burmester pre was a modular thing, beautifully made, impeccable chrome, perhaps stainless steel, bright and shiny, as was the sound.....Obviously they voice their gear differently now. I've never listend to one of their offerings again.

One of the worst systems I've ever heard was at a guy's house who was a dealer. He'd set up a system in his best room consisting of Edge amp & pre-amp and Wisdom tower speakers. Bright, edgey, and restricted dynamics. On the other hand, TAS has written glowing reviews of this system.