When AKM is implemented well with the right amp architecture, there's nothing like it, IMO. As wild as this sounds, it's VERY close tonally to the MUB5. Less power for sure. Not a bit of veil or sense things are overly muted or blunted. Just a warm, yet clear, source. It WILL expose any ESS graininess in other sources, though, so be cautious. While I certainly wish it had BT, its form factor and design makes BT almost unnecessary altogether. Speaking of design, I'm not usually given to designs just for art-sake, but this cassette feel is frankly pretty nostalgic.