It s all positive from here on. I have about 100 hours on my set now and they sound fabulous. There was not a big change in sound during break-in. The top end was a little rough out of the box but that has now vanished and it is smooth and detailed all the way up. I would say that they really reach their stride after being on for at least 30 minutes but even the first 30 minutes are a pleasure to experience.
Instruments sound very realistic.
There is very little of the sterile, life-less sound that I ve come to associate with most solid state gear. The instruments just sound right and that s all that matters ultimately to me. Dynamic range is excellent. The Explorer s reveal that sound exquisitely. This is really a great combination.