For what its wearth here my review of the 598:

some back ground first, my previous system was an all linn active

karik3/numeric karn 3xlk140 active av5140, so as you can see im mainly into 2channel playback and therefor cant realy comment on surround sound performace.

AS a cdp i compared it with audionet artv2 naim cds11 linn ikeime 588.


The 598 was the most deatailed of the players with the possable exception of the 588 which might just

have the edge on detail, but the 588 was not quite as good as the naim with pace and rythm but the 598 was defenatly faster than the 588

mayby slighthly more laid back compared to the naims forward presentation which i felt was

more tiring to listen to. the 588 lack some control into low bass which the 598 corrected, the naims bassdid not go as low as the Meridian and felt a little dry.

the combination of detail speed and low bass realy main the 598 stand out as cdp against the others giving the most relistic playback of all different types of music i like prog rock and classical choaral

the dvda ability is one which may come into its own latter at the moment lack of titles reduces the advantage.

AS a dvdv player i use the component out which give me the best DVD picture i'v seen(have not demoed the 800)

great detail and great blacks very natral colouring not false colouring.

i am very happy with my 598 as a dvdp and a cdp.

rest of system:
568.2mm
dyavector amp hx 1.2
shahanian obelsks


hope this helps skooby