In my opinion, Wadia, DCS, and Esoteric are building cost-no-object multi-component machines that are on an entirely different level than anything even at $20k. Since superlatives are thrown about with such regularity in audiophilia, there are simply no words left to convey how special these are.
Does the sound justify the cost? Yes. The law of diminishing returns does not apply here.
What does this sound like? Remember the first time you ever heard a real audiophile system? It's just like that. Magic.
Of course, there are many satisfying CD players to be had at a far lower cost. I personally feel that the source is absolutely critical for proper playback. Alas, there are slim pickings for CD playback in the sub-$5k range.
Does the sound justify the cost? Yes. The law of diminishing returns does not apply here.
What does this sound like? Remember the first time you ever heard a real audiophile system? It's just like that. Magic.
Of course, there are many satisfying CD players to be had at a far lower cost. I personally feel that the source is absolutely critical for proper playback. Alas, there are slim pickings for CD playback in the sub-$5k range.