That's because CD is fundamentally flawed and even an Ariston ripoff with dated looks and speed stability Fisher Price would be ashamed of can piss all over CD....  

Seriously, no, the LP12 isn't that bad when set up right, but if you're a lazy git like me who prefers to stick on records and listen, rather than fiddle with the deck, a Rega 3 is a good start - I'll get a Garrard 401/Rega P9 one of these days....

I've heard the CD12 in a fairly revealing system, and whilst it doesn't do anything wrong, it's boring to listen to IMHO.  Not worth 12k that's for damn sure - nice cupholder though!