I'm a newbie to high end and I have just bought the 88 and love the balance of the highs, mids and bass. I am using a Rotel receiver as a preamp right now until I can afford to buy the 66 or 99 preamp. Speakers are Meadowlark Shearwaters. CD player an old SONY CDP 500. As expected the 88 made an incredible difference over the receiver used alone. I have also demoed the Rogue Tempest(integrated) but prefer the 88 even with the Rotel. For what it's worth with this funky combo sound stage imaging is good and the clarity and openness of the sound is wonderful. Can't wait to get the 99 joined up with the 88.