Datzeel vs Asr Emitter exclusive vs Devialet

Jtinn: If I may throw in my experience with the CTH-8550, the Devialet and the Boulder 865 - which should be considered as a very nice integrated amp as well and which I currently use in my office system along with Wadia S7i, Micro Seiki SX-777FV turntable SME V arm and Lyra Delos cartridge and Consensus Audio Lightning SE speakers. Opposite to the stereophile review which claims that there is almost no difference between the Dart and the 865 I feel that there is a huge difference. The Dart is more leaning towards the warm side of neutral whereas the 865 is clearly leaning towards the cold side of neutral. Resolution, transparency and detail retrieval is slightly better with the Boulder as well as its snap and attack in the lower octaves - which is much better. The Dart offers a more lifelike and pleasing (easier to listen to) presentation with some "weaknesses" in the lower octaves and less transparency. The onboard MC stage is fine and easily matches stand a lone devices up to US $ 1.500,00. The Boulder unfortunately offers no phono section - which is a real treat. The Devialet I found to exactly bridge the gab between the sonic advantages of both products - which led to my decision to sell the Boulder and to go for the Devialet. Value wise I think that the CTH-8550 is heavily overpriced - but in real life nobody questions the Value of a Rolls Royce versus a BMW 760i ;-)