I tried again without ABXing. Even with placeabo as a factor, they all sound the same.

I suppose these differences in a $100-$300 refurb NAD orHK CDP and a $5000 krell CDP really aren't anything to go nuts about. I'm going to try a spectral analyzer next, since I already know that without assistance I'll have no clue whatsoever what to look for.

Maybe I should wait until I get my ears drained before I try this stuff. Heh.