15 years ago, i doubted a studer D730 or emt 981 i went for the d730. still love this one the last couple of months i have the 981. i must admit, i have a smile. it's more fresh and fast than the d730. it hasn't the range low-high. but it's mids are far superiour. when you have a great setup, perhaps the studer is better, because of it's range and a good setup =amps speakers will sound the cdp sound good and fast. for the people who dont have the money for a damn good setup. i would go for the 981. also the headphone out is very good. my grado rs-1 swings. i have a smile. and that's music is all about. the smile. ok, LP's, TT are far better, but that's another discussion