Oh WM,

Come on old chap! Don't tell me you are now harbouring ambitions to enter politics as well as we all know that politicians never give a straight answer. You commented that there were several CDPs available for around 50% of what I paid for my analogue rig. As I would like a new CDP, I asked for suggestions of CDPs that could do or exceed what the Mitchell deck does for half the price of the whole rig (as you so clearly suggested) and all I got from you is a defensive response with no mention of the said CDPs. Btw, let's not get into the definition of "groove" as we all interprete what we hear from various hifi components in different ways so although the Orbe SE may not have grooved for you, thousands of Orbe buyers worldwide cannot be wrong about their own personal choices or are you suggesting that they are?

I'm just laughing out loud here but let's assume that you are correct that my analogue rig cost me GBP 5K (even though you are so wildly out even by U.K retail price standards) which CDPs costing around GBP 2500 (your recommended 50% figure) would you suggest that I audition. Now, given that the Michell decks have now gained a reputation for lacking groove (according to WM's definition of groove) you know where my preferences lie so the players you recommend would have to include one or two players that also lack groove just to see if that is my preferred sound?  I eagerly await your suggestions sir, which will no doubt be blind-tested (in the final analysis) against the Mitchell deck.

P.S. Why pay brand new retail prices if you can get components, cables etc for much, much less or even second-hand. Surely, given the first one to two years severe depreciation rates on many hifi components, even you would agree that that's the sensible option to take, no?

Enjoy the music,

Lawrie.