I use the DX 50 since march 2014 and was priced 220US .I agree that the first software were a bit messy but as  time went by  the software has gotten better and now even can accept DSD files ! Sound at least for me does not makes you tired to listen to .For me the player has a balanced sound without over emphasis the bass ,middle or the high sounds .Ok the music source and HP plays a role as well .I listen mostly to red book files and high resolution files and use VISO / NAD HP which in my opinion fits well with the Player .Sometimes I hook it up...