Difference between these really good CD players

I agree. You have to decide for yourself. I would also consider the manufacturer's responsiveness. No matter how good the products are, it would be the manufacturer's attitude, service, and accessibility if and when something goes wrong. In that sense as well as quality associated with reputation, I would add Cary's 306/200 to the audition list (all on your list are non-US products). Good hunting! Ken

Umm, sorry if my words are not enough. What I meant was, if you were in US, US manufacturers are more accessible than European manufacturers, and it is more likely you can get faster and better service if something goes wrong. I have heard some horrible stories about those non-us manufacturers. Of course, there are a LOT of horrible stories as well about US manufactureres, but the prospective buyer should at least contact the manufacturer or the importer to see how fast or slow their responses are. No, I have never dealt with those listed. I did not mean that US products are better than European. My comment has nothing to do with politics. Sonics is the most important, I agree, but once you own it, you might want to be sure that the manufacturer or importer is 100% behind the products and you can expect speedy and reliable service. As to your comment about Cary, I don't argue. People have different taste, and you should add to your comment "in my opinion". I hope I did not hurt your feeling this time.

Hi Kaneson,
Well, in that case, make sure at least that you can trust your dealer after purchase (FYI, Cary CDP is actually "assembled" in HK, and maybe a good deal there). As to auditioning CD, I don't know your taste in music, but as a classic lover, I would bring my favorite (1) violin solo, (2) piano solo, and (3) symphony. Make sure that you listen well those CDs with your current setup before auditioning the new equipment. I use (1) for clarity + detail, (2) for overall frequency response (piano has very difficult lows), and (3) for how well it reproduces complex passage. The point is how you will like the sound of your favorite music reproduced by respective candidates. Good luck!!