Kyndcookie, hi Shawn, I would suggest you give the Tempest a try. I understand the Candela didn't work out too well with all the troubles you went through. I own both Candela & Tempest, they do sound very similar in terms of musicality. The Tempest has a slight bit better slamming bass, mid is not as smooth as Candela. That is the main reason why I own both of them. Also I find 1 great advantage of the Tempest is that its Phono section is definitely 1 of the best built in I've heard. Of course the Suspiro Se 2 chassis version is better, is that right AlexG? hahaha.