Originally Posted by SpaceJS
.....could it not be the sound is now more to your liking as opposed to the id41 with active meridian speakers?

Well I am saying exactly that. But as I said above, there are many threads where people just try and unpick or invalidate one's experience and I ask for better here. I am not expressing a preference for a colour or a flavour. I am describing a SQ where detail and placement is improved. I can follow harmonic details more easily. Separation of instruments is far more impressive. Subtle tones in voices and acoustics are more obvious. I think the XE sound even better than ever. But this is not just because of preference for a different shade or saltiness.

Rgds,
Nick