Is computer audio pushing up the price of CDPs?

Probably.

Many newer digital technologies/products are increasingly supplanting a dedicated CD only player for home audio use only. Its already become a small niche product on map overall.

Multi format music/video disk format players seem way more common these days.

I bought a CD player/recorded several years back. I only use it to record vinyl and other analog sources though my system these days. I never play CDs anymore. They all get ripped to music server. I do play a DVD on occasion via DVD player. Not a big video fan so I never bought into Blu-ray.

"CDP's and CD hardware are a billion dollar a year industry that provides a fair amount of jobs even despite the cost effective automation of production. "

More people probably listen to more music and other forms of entertainment than ever before, just not using CD players.

Its all part of the normal advancements and changes in technology and lifestyles over time.

"The audio store of the past unfortunately is going by way of the buffalo, however, those that remain, that is, survive, will have a hard time paying bills just selling the music of cyber space via PC's with their own speakers, possibly even better than today's junk that sits on IKEA computer tables. "

There are still several higher end a/v stores in my area that seem to be doing OK. All of these keep up with the times to different extents and figure out ways to sell people the stuff the want that fit their lifestyles, including portable gear that targets those interested in sound quality as well as other usability/convenience features.

There is a limit to sound quality, and how much people care, but not to all the other convenience and usability features that tend to drive things forward more for most. Portable audio, wireless home media, hidden and stylish home a/v installations, etc.

At one local dealer, one can own SOTA Audeze or Sennheiser headphones for about the same cost as many high end smaller entry level speakers sold there. That part of teh shop seems to grow and get bigger each time I visit.

Its all just progress, I suppose.

"USA is pretty much toast, everyone knows it but us."

Well, we ain't what we used to be post WWII, that's for sure.

Then again, neither is anyone else likely to be in the foreseeable future. Military might ain't what it used to be.

Its a different world. Better in many ways, worse in many others. BEats a lot of alternate scenarios I can think of. :-)

Python musical interlude called for... to lighten things up a bit.