First off, thanks again to Chris for letting my listen to the EA P3-A dac.
For doing the comparisons I used the following music which I know very, very well:
Rusted Root - When I Woke
Tori Amos - Boys for Pele
Harry Connick Jr. - She
Ben Harper - Fight for your Mind
Uncle Tupelo - 83/93 Anthology
Natalie Merchant - Tigerliliy
Holst - The Planets
Vivladi - Four Seasons
Well unfortunately the EA P3-A didn't have the same magic in my system as the EA S-7700 transport (which I own) did.
I directly compared the EA P3-A to my stock Electrocompaniet ECD-1. I believe both of these units use the same chipset and I was expecting pretty similar sound.
Well, that's not how it worked out. The EA P3-A actually sounded less dynamic and extended than the ECD-1 in my system. Drums didn't have the snap and attack I was used to hearing. Cymbals sounded blunted and I had to strain to hear certain details that I am used to hearing (such as being able to clearly distinguish the beans inside a gourd). This was with me using the rca version of the Argent Audio Pursang for both. I also found myself less interested in listening to music with the EA P3-A in the system (sorry Steve).
One thing that was very clear to me is that the ECD-1 is even better when used with xlr outputs to the preamp (I will post more details on this over in two channel audio forum).
This is how things sound to my ears, in my system - YMMV.
I suggest you take advantage of Steve's audition period and judge for yourself in your own system.
George