I just ordered my Cullen Stage IV DL3 on Friday and I will have it breaking in next week. I really couldn't hear much improvement with the stock DL3 over my Rotel RDV-1093, but the Rotel is a different animal than any of the other Rotel CD players. Their flagship DVD/CD player, it is rated at less than 0.002 WOW/Flutter. I was disappointed because I had expected more from the stock DL3. The fact that I did hear minor improvements (it did seem to open up the soundstage a bit and perhaps slightly improve overall clarity) led me to order a new modded unit directly from Cullen.
The reviews and feedback claim that the Stage IV upgrade is not a subtle improvement in almost the entire frequency range. I will be disappointed if I only hear minor differences, like I do with cable upgrades. I hate ordering one without hearing it first, but I have been sucked-in with all the feedback.
If youre still looking next month, I will have been able to scrutinize the unit after it breaks in. If you email me, Ill give you a no-frills objective review. Unless you can pick up a stock unit for $700 or less, your best bet is to purchase a new unit with upgrades directly from Cullen and receive $290.00 off list.
The reviews and feedback claim that the Stage IV upgrade is not a subtle improvement in almost the entire frequency range. I will be disappointed if I only hear minor differences, like I do with cable upgrades. I hate ordering one without hearing it first, but I have been sucked-in with all the feedback.
If youre still looking next month, I will have been able to scrutinize the unit after it breaks in. If you email me, Ill give you a no-frills objective review. Unless you can pick up a stock unit for $700 or less, your best bet is to purchase a new unit with upgrades directly from Cullen and receive $290.00 off list.