As far as judging industrial design, fit and finish, component as art, and overall aesthetics; much of that is totally subjective....and therefore a matter of individual tastes.
i own the Playback Designs and do appreciate it's look and quality of build. but the others you mention are good too.
as far as i'm concerned; the only digital player that qualifies as art is the legendary Linn CD-12. i owned 2 of them. as good to look at and to touch as it was to listen to.
here is a link to the Playback Design website. all the information you asked for, e-mail address, etc. is there. at the bottom of the home page it does say; 'Proudly made in the U.S.A.'....in California. Playback Designs manufacturers their player themselves. it's not rebadged or oem'd from anyone.
i own the Playback Designs and do appreciate it's look and quality of build. but the others you mention are good too.
as far as i'm concerned; the only digital player that qualifies as art is the legendary Linn CD-12. i owned 2 of them. as good to look at and to touch as it was to listen to.
here is a link to the Playback Design website. all the information you asked for, e-mail address, etc. is there. at the bottom of the home page it does say; 'Proudly made in the U.S.A.'....in California. Playback Designs manufacturers their player themselves. it's not rebadged or oem'd from anyone.