KF-I agree with everything you have written more or less. The bright blue light thing is a turn off and I am also not fond of the warranty. And, I know the Cary has worn out its welcome on Audiogon. Yet, I'm compelled to keep loving it! One new player that's getting a lot more love than the Cary right now is the Ayre. I recently brought it home for a comparison. The Ayre is fantastic. It seems to do a better job with the highs and the lows. The lows are particularly well defined. But one thing that really bothered me was the Ayre's lack of speed. One reviewer characterized it as "dynamics," or lack there of. The Cary has much speed (or dynamics), which I really think speak to its musical nature. And, the fact that its built like a brick makes me feel better about that damn warranty.
