Could you please explain me a little bit?
Did you compare the Epos with the Mikado? And with other cd players?
I wrote an email and they replied me very quickly, the Epos + is the same player as Epos, the only difference in the digital inputs in the plus version (EPOS+ does have a digital TOSLINK and digital CINCH input so that it can be used a DAC)
the upgrade costs 500 euro
Hi davenrk: I will do my best, based on my experience with Restek equipment and the type of sound (I like). I feel it's important to highlight this is based on the type of sound that I specifically like!
I have owned an all-Restek system since 1998. The Concret cd player, the MDac + The Fantasy integrated amplifier, Ruark Equinox speakers.
Longevity: speaks for itself. It's playing as I write this!
Restek support and upgrade their older equipment. My Cd player went back to Germany for a full service, everything, was updated and replaced and sitting back in my living room within two weeks, including the Dirigent hand controller, which is also incredibly well made.
The Epos uses dual Burr Brown Dac chip set, with regulated power supplies.
It is a top loader using a CDM 2 pro m chassis. (They do not go wrong) neither has my laser ever failed in my Concret, which is the earlier version of the EPOS. I was 35 when I bought it, I am now 59!!
My simple analogy for how it sounds, is like a turntable. Smooth, fast, powerful and detailed. It creates three-dimensional, front to back images Alternatively I would say similar to the Pass labs sound. Class A with the power of class AB. That is another description of how I experience the sound quality of all Restek equipment. The Cd player gives the depth, soundstage and full body to notes, the amps give class AB power.
They work best together, just as Audio note CD, amp and speaker work best together, in my opinion.
I simply do not like the Gryphon sound. It is almost the opposite in how it presents music.
The Mikado looks very well put together, similar to the Epos in terms of construction and build quality. For that I like it.
The positive I would hope to pull out for you is The Gryphon equipment, throughout their range will give a very different type of musical presentation. For my tastes, it is too clinical. But that is how I hear it. You, like a lot of people, may well love it, and it should last a lifetime.
Nagra, is obviously superb equipment and bombproof as well. Very clean sound and I would probably favour it over Gryphon, for being less clinical and more neutral in its presentation.
I would go on to say that Restek is possibly the most coloured out of the three marks. However, I love the euphonic sound it makes and the pictures it paints.
This is the beauty of equipment when you get to this level. I am sure all three would last a lifetime, given their build quality.
The flavour of sound is down to you and that's the joy of high-end ownership.
If I can help any further, please don't hesitate to ask!