The Atlantic has a larger soundstage, the background is quieter, has more micro detail information, the sound of each musical instrument is clearly heard (separation) on good recordings and they sound a little holographic, not quite as warm as the Luxman DA-06, sounds more like real music and is emotionally engaging IMHO. So, to my ears the sound of the Atlantic is very crystal clear with no brightness or grain at all. I can sit and listen for a long time like I can with my analog setup. I was going to get a Lampy Golden Gate but I am glad I got talked into the Atlantic. It is a great value.