When I replaced the incredible sounding $10K Stealth Audio Sakra ICs with a set of german Atelier Rullit "Late-Gothic" ICs I received the shock of my life. Up till then the Sakras were the finest IC I had ever heard, but with the addition of the Late-Gothic ICs everything improved sonically from the highest highs to the deepest bass. The highs became even more extended, the bass deeper, tighter & more powerful, and the midrange became even more wonderfully musical than it was before! This was totally unexpected and a wonderful improvement.