When shop do the demo with clock, you can tell there is big difference with or without clock. That is the problem. Though the boss of the shop told me that there are also many Estoric CD player users who do not buy clock as combination, but
when your ears can aware the big listening difference, it would be hard to have one without it. But it will push up the owner cost big jump.
I heard once that DCS had good sound, but it is rumored that it might need more maintenance. Generally, Japan high end products last longer.