The 596 & 598 probably should have sounded the same but I found that they didn't and the 598 was better.

As for subjective views vs technical theory....we've been around that one a few times haven't we already. It really is code for saying "you're wrong" or "I don't believe you". Meridian start with a technical theory that becomes a design, but, they always use their ears to actually judge whether design A was better than design B...and Bob S has stated confirmed that previously

A couple of years ago I started a thread about snake oil and power cables. You'd probably be in the camp that says there should be zero impact with a 1.5m cable. Reality, both to me and Mrs L, was that there was a subtle yet audible difference. The result, however, was that 'subjectively' we preferred the stock cable over the $500 cable.

Rod, ripping takes a while for sure, but, back it up and you'll only have to do it once. Use mp3tag to tidy up the tags so they read right in your library. You know what means when you start wink


Rgds,
Nick