Warren, I agree with what I think you're trying to say: that you don't have to spend $5000 any longer to get a player comparable to the Cary 306/200. However, a slightly used 306/200 can be had on this site for a little under $3000, which is about what I paid.
Back to Rsbeck's new question regarding likes/dislikes of indiivdual players. The Cary is an extremely fast player with tons of midrange. Voices sound incredible, upper treble is decent and bass is powerful, yet not as tight as-lets say-the new Ayre player. However, the Ayre does not have the speed of the Cary, it actually sounds slow in comparison. According to the Positive Feedback folks, the Resolution Audio Opus 21 player sounds better when compared to the Cary and costs $3500 factory direct with 30 day trial period.
Back to Rsbeck's new question regarding likes/dislikes of indiivdual players. The Cary is an extremely fast player with tons of midrange. Voices sound incredible, upper treble is decent and bass is powerful, yet not as tight as-lets say-the new Ayre player. However, the Ayre does not have the speed of the Cary, it actually sounds slow in comparison. According to the Positive Feedback folks, the Resolution Audio Opus 21 player sounds better when compared to the Cary and costs $3500 factory direct with 30 day trial period.