I recently compared my Icon Mk2 to the Theta Miles balanced. I was very surprised to learn that the Icon was at least 95% as good as the $2595 Theta. I tried the Theta both through my preamp and direct.I could barely believe this modest CD player was so good.
The rest of my system is:
Bryston 4BST
Bryston BP20
Dunlavy SCIV

Excellent sound - especially for jazz, can play HDCD

none for price range

In 1995, I replaced my accurus CD player with the Cal Audio Labs MK2. The imporvement in sound - especially depth and musicality was dramatic. In 1997, I sent the unit back to the factory to have the power-boss installed. This made a noticeable further improvement, especially in the bass. For its price range a great CD player.

Other equipment:
Accurus pre-amp
two A-250 accurus amps (bi amped)
Velodyne 661 speakers with modified cross-over
Two Velodyne subs

Similar Products Used:

Accurus, Cal Audio Labs Icon MK2 without power boss

Build quality, bass, spatial image

No output level potentiometer, "gadget" functions

To be short, the CAL Icon mk-II is excellent, if not perfect.
* It is very well build, and has a digital output. It could be used as a transport.
* CAL proposes an "upgrade" : very expensive ($600!), and I don't know if it sounds better
* A lot of buttons for esoteric recording functions : what a waste
* The output level (to preamp and headphone) is fixed. I would like to be able to modify it.
* Sound quality : excellent bass (deep and strong), excellent imaging (wide, deep, stable), good high frequencies (good compromize details/softness). The medium range is questionable : voices are natural, but piano is reproduced with an "echo" (a little bit as if the pedals of the piano was constantly used).

Similar Products Used:

Philips, NAD 5100, Marantz CD-67SE, Technics

OK. So this CD player sounds great. That being said, not only has the transport died on me four times, but Cal Audio refuses to stand behind the product, and now wants $200 to repair it, even though I haven't had a single trouble-free year with it. I cannot recommend products of a company that fails to support them in such an egregious way.