Magma, sorry, I didn't mean to derail your thread. In fact, my earlier post was triggered by the fact that you were also initially tossing between a DVD player and a dedicated CDP, and I wanted to add my thoughts on the value for money that a CDP will give you. The only thing is that I was trying to do a technical analysis instead of analysis based on experience. The one thing I can add of use to you is that really old DVD players had relatively primitive circuitry to handle DAC and error correction/skipping.
@thevortex, thanks, I did realize that there was a S/N difference (90 vs 105/110db), but wanted to know how much of a difference it made. For example, many mid-hifi CD players and amplifiers have S/N ratios in the 90-95db range as well (CA Azur 340C CDP - 92db, CA Azur 540C CDP - 95db using 24-bit/192kHz). While I haven't listened to these CD players, I'm sure that technical analysis has its merits as I'm sure that high fidelity audio is based on technical fundamentals, which I'm trying (and struggling) to understand. At least based on my initial analysis, I can come up with a semi-firm conclusion that there does not seem to be too much difference between the entry models of high end audio manufacturers and run-of-the-mill DVD players. However, the mid-range and upwards models of high end audio manufacturers suddenly start featuring much better components and technology than their entry level cousins. Again, please do not take offense at what I'm trying to say here as well
And yes, I have listened to a good "separates" system that was driven off a Sony Discman and for what its worth, I thought the sound was really good. But then, quite frankly, I haven't auditioned enough systems and components to have a trained ear, and since I heard it at a friend's place, I didn't get to do a side-by-side comparison as well.
@Asit, yes, you're right that specs can be misleading especially when taken out of context or when solely relied on. However, it does help us a great deal in eliminating the obvious bad deals, so that our auditioning efforts are focused on only those audio components that give us the best value for money within our budget. For example, I was surprised to find out that the technology and specification of a dedicated CDP like CA Azur 540C is actually almost the same as a Philips DVD player! Of course, most of the other good CDPs have much better specs and technical implementation.
Regarding your comments about investing in a good source, of course, I completely agree with you. My contention was that CD technology has actually matured to such an extent that even cheapo players are providing very good performance (good performance being subjective of course). Basically, CD technology has become commoditized. This is also helped by the fact that CD is a digital source as opposed to an analog source such as tape or LP. For example, most good high-end tape decks and LP players had an S/N ratio of 60db! With Dolby B and C NR, the good tape players managed to increase it to 70-75db, which is still much poorer compared to a cheapo DVD player.