Raymond- I have not compared the 6385 to the 396 so I can offer no insight on their relative strengths and weaknesses. I believe that others have used NOS 2C51 to good effect. The 6385 is clearly better than any 5670 that I tried.
From the experiences of myself and a few other the Monarchy helps NOS DACS, which the Paradisea is. The BelCanto (I believe) already does some of the things that the Monarchy does so it offers no real improvement. With NOS DACS though the Monarchy improves the sound quality.
Agree on the computer playback. Just have not had the time or desire to convert. Since I burn my .wav files 24/96 DVD using Cirlinca (and they play as DVD-A discs on players that offer that capability or DVD video audio out for DVD players that do not) I am content for now. My PC is too noisy and is in the same room as my audio system. Eventually though I will be using PC audio. In fact I do so on my office system.
From the experiences of myself and a few other the Monarchy helps NOS DACS, which the Paradisea is. The BelCanto (I believe) already does some of the things that the Monarchy does so it offers no real improvement. With NOS DACS though the Monarchy improves the sound quality.
Agree on the computer playback. Just have not had the time or desire to convert. Since I burn my .wav files 24/96 DVD using Cirlinca (and they play as DVD-A discs on players that offer that capability or DVD video audio out for DVD players that do not) I am content for now. My PC is too noisy and is in the same room as my audio system. Eventually though I will be using PC audio. In fact I do so on my office system.