The basic audio CD (as opposed to computer based DVD/CDROM) drives are becoming extinct as manufacturer after manufacturer (the two big ones Sony/Philips) stops making them. The writing is on the wall, folks.
That is why I went with a PWT from PS Audio. Uses a computer style DVD drive (combined with a SS memory playback) that is less likely to go obsolete. No, its not perfect but pretty good considering the limited 16/44.1 media. It also will play high res stuff in the right format if burned to DVD. Its more expensive than your $1300, but you can get them for about $2K at Underwood.
That is why I went with a PWT from PS Audio. Uses a computer style DVD drive (combined with a SS memory playback) that is less likely to go obsolete. No, its not perfect but pretty good considering the limited 16/44.1 media. It also will play high res stuff in the right format if burned to DVD. Its more expensive than your $1300, but you can get them for about $2K at Underwood.