Being a CD-based, integrated, all-digital system, one expects the Model D to be cold-sounding and unfeeling of the music it is representing. On the contrary, besides reproducing music precisely as it was intended, it is very musical indeed. Starting off with an older Dire Straits track, every brush of the Knopflers' fretboards is translated perfectly into the air, but without letting even the edgiest details annoy the ears. The level of tonal purity is quite sensational, and every string of every instrument in the soundstage leaps out of the speakers.

The same goes for the Fleetwood Mac track Peter plays for us next. Stevie Nicks comes through with total accuracy, and even a little warmth, though this is not a result of any coloration on the part of the Model D. In fact, without any resonance or coloration to speak of, the speakers almost seem to fade away from view, leaving you alone with a room full of music and the ethereal Ms. Nicks. The only downside to this is the borderline uncompromising splashes of cymbals that have you reaching for the volume knob, though this is perhaps more to do with the quality of the original recording.