.....The Monitor 30s proved as merciless in revealing the limitations of the CD format as my long-time reference Sound Lab Dynastats, perhaps even more so. CDs distorted harmonic structure, false instrumental timbre, monotone dynamic variation, and terraced note decay were all on full view. The differences between the 6 CD players I played through them were analytically differentiated. The standard-setting rhythmic subtleties of the new Rega Apollo and Saturn CD players bass regions, were, however, mostly lost on the Harbeths. To be fair, theyre lost on most speakers. You need to hear the two players on Rega R7s or R9s to really appreciate what Rega has achieved. If your system is CD-based dont expect the Monitor 30s to flatter the format.....