When switching CD players in and out of an existing system, I've noticed two types of sound: The Airy/Open approach vs. the Smooth/Tight Bass approach (at least that is the best way I know to describe them). Is it just me, or is this the way the manufacturers intend the units to sound? I can't say that either one is better because there is such a variance in the recording qualities of my cd collection. CDs that sound great on one player can sound horrible on another. Having said all that, how would you describe the sound of the NAD 541i?