Jh2os: me again, I have owned the Equinox for about 2 months paired with a Cayin AT88 and then with the Linar 10. I found it really dark yet very detailed. I ABd the Equinox against the Quad CDP 99 for a full afternoon and found the Quad more dynamic and pleasing. I think the Equinox is not a good match to a sweet amplifier but would work wonder with thinner amps (say a YBA Integre DT). Coming from the Cairn Fog, you would find the Equinox very dark IMHO. Do not know Nova though.