Opera Audio Consonance ref 2.2 owners?


I just purchased an new Consonance 2.2. I am in the break in stage at this point. I like to get some feedback from some current owners if I could. What you really think of this player? Mine sounded horrible when first turned on.
Seems to be warming up nicely though.
I bought by the reviews I have been reading out here. All seem so positive. So far, the only complaint I have is they claim it has a solid cherry top. Mine has that light colored European hardwood that so many kitchen tables seem to be made of these days. Do any of you others owners have the same?

Thanks for any replies in advance.
johnymac
First I would like to thank all of you that replied.
I was considering the Prima before the ref 2.2. I read the reviews, spoke to a sales person that sells both to get a his opinion and went with the ref 2.2. I should also add, I was considering a Cary 308T.

As far as the player goes, I find myself listening for 3/5 hours an evening. Weekends, as much as 10 hours a day. It just keeps me wanting more! I think it is wonderful. I actually have been changing the music I listen to. Hard rock just doesn't do the player any justice. Must admit, rock does sound so much better than ever did before. Bass is so deep and voices are right about where they should be. This player sounds better than any turntable I have ever heard or owned. I am very happy with it. Although, I noticed the smell of burnt plastic lately, maybe it is part of the "burning in process"? I also notice any defects on my cd's the player seems to have problems with. Other than that I love it! I was told it takes about 100 hours to burn in, I notice here that it may take up to 300. I guess I am about half way there.
I highly recommend this player.
I would also like to add, I have very inexpensive interconnects on my system. I think they are like 6 year old $30.00 monster cable's from like best buy.
In time, I like to send a reply and see what cables you owners prefer with this player, as that be my next upgrade.
I just can't believe for what my system consist of, how nice it sounds.

Thanks again!!
Fully broken in now, ages ago...it just sounds like "my CD player", hehehe.

I'm so used to the magnificent sound that I guess I take it for granted, would be interesting to slot another fully broken player in and then compare - but I don't want to. OK, I guess I am used to it - but shortly after the 300 hours was up I played a favourite CD and I cried with happiness...I had never heard that album sound so "there" and real and detailed and etc etc.

If you have a Ref 2.2 with Solen Aeon capacitors in the output stage, get them replaced with Auricaps, or if you're thinking of buying one, buy it with Auricaps installed (it's a factory option and only marginally more expensive), I have the correct value Auricaps and have yet to replace the Solens, but am assured that the already remarkable Ref 2.2 gets even better with Auricaps by ppl that have the upgraded version. Will post my opinions if anyone is interested?
I have a 1.0 and have been very happy with it both with redbook and sacds. I believe Consonance makes a fine player. I would be interested in hearing how the auricaps affect the sound.
WR
I have had the 2.2 in my system now for a couple of months, and I too am very pleased with the sound of this player.
My ONLY disappointment with it is that the remote volume control does not work when playing it using the XLR outputs. The VC only works on the RCA (tube) side. I had to get a balanced preamp to play it that way.
Sonny
G'day Johnnymac,

I too purchased my 2.2 from audio-lifestyle and have clocked on ~200hrs. Its a beautiful sounding cdp with an analog feel to it. My system utilises the 2.2 with the Denon 3802 AV receiver, a pair of Mission 773e floor standers and the osborn ref. silverlink interconnects. Out of the box, the 2.2 sounds harsh but it is quite sweat now. I just recently purchased Garry Cawsey's powerbox (Cawsey DOM) and currently burning it in. I noticed a fantastic improvement in the separation of instruments first off, although music now across more metallic, glassy and tad thinner, almost fatiguing at times. But i think its due to my amp being a AV receiver which leans more towards the upper frequences with the characteristic digital sound........I'd like to hear from 2.2 users who have coupled it to a valve amp. I'm hoping that the 2.2 will sound more warm and natural when coupled to a valve as opposed to a transistor AV receiver. Anyhow, definitely give a mains filter a go. It'll be worth it.

eT.