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Come on KIS, an Oppo may be a choice for a "Home Theater" but this is a completely different application. It's like the difference between a motor cycle and a sports car.
I'm not quite sure what your point in. I was pointing out that the technology like CD/DVD/DVDA/SACD/DAB are all available in products that cost a fraction of the F80. This functionality is not what drives the cost up. So putting those functions aside, what drives the cost of the F80? Is it unreasonable to ask how it sounds compared to a Tivoli, icub or ifi? Anyone in the market for a mini stereo would be looking at these in comparison.

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I have not heard any negative feedback from anyone that has actually bought one or saw the demo.
And my point is that the two "non-critical" reviews have pointed out that it is not meant to replace a standard stereo (see the pound for pound quote in the first review). One review stated the product was great for the industry because it would attract college kids who know Ferrari (as if college kids will spend $3k on a mini stereo!). To date, no review has proclaimed that the sound is mindblowing, and Ian's initial posts about sound don't seem to enthusiastic. So I am keen to understand how much better it is than other boombox/mini type systems. Does it really sound that much better, or is the price really in the branding? Is this really about musical performance or not? That is the question for me.

Do you actually think that it could run neck and neck with the 3100s? I can't quite believe that.