Thanks to all for the input! Look, I am past the stage of sonic experimentation: selling, trading, buying, swapping...and finally, I am positive, I've settled down to a system I've had now for a couple years. Pragmatic stuff- like value, service, longevity and reliabilty are now the top priority. I am also now a big believer in the diminishing returns side of things, and frankly, with CD-format being in a state of what it is, $2-2.5k used for a CDP is what I'd be comfortable with and feel good about.
That said, Bryston+Marantz+Rega+Krell+Esoteric look good and are reasonably diversified.
Audio Research and some other high-priced mainstays might just price themselves out into extinction. One- (or two-) man operations aren't looking so good at all!
Economic instability definitely makes one think twice about extravagant hi-fi purchases..since no one really wants to end up with a $2-3k boat anchor
That said, Bryston+Marantz+Rega+Krell+Esoteric look good and are reasonably diversified.
Audio Research and some other high-priced mainstays might just price themselves out into extinction. One- (or two-) man operations aren't looking so good at all!
Economic instability definitely makes one think twice about extravagant hi-fi purchases..since no one really wants to end up with a $2-3k boat anchor
