I have owned quite a few players from NAIM (3.5,CDX), Meridian (508.24), and also had the no39, which I recently upgraded. I also audtioned Wadia (860) and Linn (ikemi), and to me, there is no question the 390S is THE most natural sounding player of the bunch. It does all the things I thought the others did well (e.g., lush timbre ala 508.24, nice pace ala Naim, and more believable soundstaging/imaging vs the Wadia, which while impressive to the ears on short listen, ultimately fatigued and sounded "gimmicky."
Versus the 39, the upgraded unit is MUCH smoother, quieter, has tremendous microdynmics, and best of all, paints each note in a truly paplable manner, surrounded by air. Imaging is first order.
This is a no-brainer upgrade for 39 owner/potential oweners to consider. The old saying is true: spend your $ on front end and back end first, then fill in amp/preamp! One more thing, toss the stock PC, and go with a BMI/Shunyata brand (I have the low end Mamba which is great).
Versus the 39, the upgraded unit is MUCH smoother, quieter, has tremendous microdynmics, and best of all, paints each note in a truly paplable manner, surrounded by air. Imaging is first order.
This is a no-brainer upgrade for 39 owner/potential oweners to consider. The old saying is true: spend your $ on front end and back end first, then fill in amp/preamp! One more thing, toss the stock PC, and go with a BMI/Shunyata brand (I have the low end Mamba which is great).