The Squeezebox isn't perfect, hence the third-party mods, but as a proof of concept it's a compelling argument. Don't forget that these devices are relatively young - if you wanted the best sound quality before these came along you had to buy a high-end player. Now that crown is being usurped by the next generation of technology.

I stopped using my Mark Levinson Reference transport (�12k) once I added the Squeezebox, but I continue to use my Levinson Reference DAC (�15k). The Squeezebox's job is to deliver a digital stream as accurately as possible (ie it's a transport) after that it's up to the rest of your kit to make the most of that signal.

I think the market for high-end players should be dead but there are still people willing to pay the money and there is no doubt that the players deliver the goods, but if you are willing to set up a server, do the rips and install a Squeezebox (preferally modded) you can achieve the same sound (and better in some cases) for much less money. If you are not willing to do this, and not everybody will be, and you want the best possible sound you need to buy a high-end transport.

Mark

My Music : My Cinema