How would you describe 'detail'

[Rocker]

On a recent post on this website, the poster wrote [paraphrasing a bit] that Esoteric or Wadia CD players are more detailed than an Opus 21. As it happens I have an Opus 21, I am very happy with the sounds it makes, but I am wondering what is it that I am missing. Or what is the Esoteric or Wadia giving that the Opus 21 is not. Simply put, what is this term 'detail' that is bandied about.......

[Ivor]

That might have been myself. Let me start by saying that the Opus would be my choice of all the players mentioned. By "detail" I mean a touch of percussion. The click of a plectrum on a string. A "background" instrument I hadn't noticed before. An audible inhalation. While the others might be more detailed I found the Opus to be more musical and involving. That's a purely personal conclusion of course.

[tony]

At its nastiest it is regarded as overly bright but when it is delivered well it is the total opposite to warm and cuddly with muddied bass.
The cyrus I have is regarded as detailed and I would agree with that description. Partnered with bright speakers and amp and it could be problematic on certain recordings but get the mix right and you get to hear all instruments clearly especially the highs and end up with a fantastic detailed sound.

When I started off on this threadmill I thought I wanted a really warm sound but now would hate to lose all that detail.

I think I said it somewhere else here but if money was plentiful I would be taking that one in cloneys. I have heard the opus when buying my quads a really liked it. Also Noel Cloney (A few people think he makes very good choices on components and has a bit of experience!) has one and a few other people here. Think for kinda affordable cdp's you probably have one of the most highly regarded ones.