Well, after spending all day listening to the same tunes over and over again, I can confirm that all 3 boxes sound like cd players.
The Rotel 855 is fine for something that is 30 years old. Better than I thought it would sound. A bit reserved. (Much better than the Bose Wave thing)
The Alpha 9 sounds a bit better, a bigger soundstage. More bass. Nicer cymbals. The vocal is more forward than the Rotel.
Looking forward to demo'ing at Richer tomorrow. I may end up staying with the Alpha 9 if nothing grabs me. Also if I am spending money, I need it to be a significant, noticeable improvement.
The Alpha 7 sounded not far off the 9.
I took the cover off and cleaned the lens, it plays cd-r's okay now (it was getting fussy)
This is going back to my favourite daughter.
Out of interest:
I took the advice from (can't remember) someone on pfm and chose tracks that sound poor. Sibilant vocals, flat soundstage, overly bright and muddy cymbals...
My Name Is Prince and Sexy M.F. from Prince - Love Symbol
Modern Love and China Girl from Bowie - Let's Dance
Fast Love and Spinning The Wheel from George Michael - Older
Hit The Lights from Metallica - Kill 'Em All.
And a couple of tunes that sound delicious.
Brubeck - Take Five
Lalo Schifrin - Bullitt (main title)
I am going to take more cd's (Kate Bush plus others) but those 9 tunes are what I am concentrating on.