Having raised the subject of Stereophile reviews, here is what I find in their latest 500 recommended components:
The Ayre C-5xe player is rated in A+ category (I own the same) along with Classe CDP-202, Krell Evolution 505, Muse Polyhymnia and Sony SCD-XA9000ES. Please note the name 'Sony' in the A+ category, supposed to cost US$ 3,000. How many of us are aware that despite being regarded as a mass market product company, Sony comes out with some outstanding digital sources, superb performers and great value for money products? Unfortunately, they do not market these real high-end products in India and try to stuff the cheaper mass market products down our throats. In USA, Europe and Japan, there is a cult following for Sony's high-end products. Why not in India?
The same Stereophile includes cheaper (< $1,000) and excellent performers like Marantz SA-8001, CA 740C, Music Hall CD25.2, Onkyo DX-7555, Oppo DV-980H/983H, Pioneer DV-58AV, and even Sony Playstation I ($25).
> murali