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In hardware (and TDM plugin for protools) the reference still are the Aural Exciter (with Big Bottom for low end) from Aphex. They are more expensive too though.
First of all, make sure your source and recording is as good as possible (of course this also depends on the gear you are using. A Behringer mixer will not sound half as good as a Mackie for example, the soundcard or recording device also does a great deal in this, either try to do it on renowed analog gear, or use 24 bit if possible). Try to use "miracle" fixes as least as possible.
But if you still think you can use such exciters, be very careful with them. They are not as dangerous as EQ (you only have a increase in perceived loudness, not actual loudness, or not much), but the problem with exciters is, a lot of people tend to use it too much. Those exciters generate new harmonics, and our ears like that.
The general problem most people have is, they add a little processing : wow, it sounds good. They add more : wow it sounds even better! And so on. Our ears accommodate very easily to that sound.
But when you are not introduced to that gradual increase (read : everyone who hears the mix, without being there when the processing occured, and even those who where there, after they "forgot" the processing accommodation), it will sound very harsh and unnatural (and boomy if you use a Big Bottom like device).
So like always, the best advice is, if you use it, use it with moderation and care. You should use it to add a little sparkle, very subtly. Not process the shit out of it.
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