I struggled for most of the last year with a new middle and back end, trying various front ends. Dismissed the ARCAM, Bel Canto, and a couple of others, then stumbled upon the Electrocompaniet emc-1, esp in MkII guise. An amazing front end. Once in a while you can find a nearly new emc-1 for sale here around $2-2.4k. A GREAT deal. I was able to get a couple of thet new 24/192 DAC upgrade kits pretty cheap; the concensus is strong that this improvement is strong.
Just couldn't get happy with Planets or Genkis, either; never checked Meridien or Cary, though. Good luck, and try out an emc-1 if you can borrow one. Stunning bass, full mids, detailed top with NO glare or fatiguing digital artifacts (HOORAY!), and has outstanding PRaT. Awright, enough already.... Good luck.
Just couldn't get happy with Planets or Genkis, either; never checked Meridien or Cary, though. Good luck, and try out an emc-1 if you can borrow one. Stunning bass, full mids, detailed top with NO glare or fatiguing digital artifacts (HOORAY!), and has outstanding PRaT. Awright, enough already.... Good luck.