the DAC's in your 15 yr old CD player is probably lacking the bass of the newer DAC's in the 990.

I have two NAD CD players.. one from 1986 and one from 1991. While I find the older one to sound better.. the one from 1991 has to much bass. It's like they some how increased to bass to be overwhelming. I guess that's the difference in the DAC's between the two.

I have been very impressed with the DAC's in the 990 pre. Pretty good bass response yes.

Bernie, I think if you listen to your CD's in upsample you should have bass management. If you listen to them in bypass you will not.