I have had the oportunity to compare the XSD1 to the Puccini with clock:
Redbook: in Brahms Symphony nr'1 Chicago / Barenboim
XSD1 : the lower frequencies, Cello & double bass are probably a little better defined, it's generally a darker sound than the Puccini ... much better than the former Emm Lab
SACD: Mahler 1 Tonhalle / Zinman
Puccini clearly wins, placement and outline of the musicians on the stage, better definition.
I must admitt I don't know if the EMM Lab was already burned in ...
Redbook: in Brahms Symphony nr'1 Chicago / Barenboim
XSD1 : the lower frequencies, Cello & double bass are probably a little better defined, it's generally a darker sound than the Puccini ... much better than the former Emm Lab
SACD: Mahler 1 Tonhalle / Zinman
Puccini clearly wins, placement and outline of the musicians on the stage, better definition.
I must admitt I don't know if the EMM Lab was already burned in ...