Redbook for the long haul

My short list today includes the Talk Thunder 3.1 (British company), the Resolution Audio Opus 21 and the Audio Note 3.1 separates (much pricier). They are all well built, but whether the companies will be around is always unknown. But then again, the technology changes in digital will likely continue to be significant in the next five years. So does it matter if the companies are still there then? It costs a lot to upgrade and it might be worthwhile just moving on to something else anyway.

Bombaywalla, the lasers might be finer, but there are a lot of high end manufacturers in both camps: Those who have moved toward the universal player and those who believe the digital paths mandated by SACD or DVD-A tend to corrupt the musicality from redbook playback. I expect this situation won't last long (famous last words?), but there are strong and intelligent advocates on both sides. Does it all boil down to convenience and personal tastes? Probably. So as usual, it's important to try before you buy.