From what I understand this was a Canadian Company... Recently bought by the owners of Rotel and B&W... I don't like the rounded face either, neither do I with the new Plinius gear... I heard this player at Stereo Exchange in NYC yesterday in an all Classe and B&W system... The highs seemed a bit rolled off, which I personally don't like... However I don't know which piece (or combination of) was responsible... I only gave it a 1 song listen.. I'm also not a fan of the touch screen display... Just my opinion though..