[QUOTE=greg]There's no doubt that the better Sony machines dont register on the radar for most audiophools. Thats not to suggest (or not suggest) they are the best machines available, but many folks would never want their sys fronted by a Sony, regardless of the quality of playback.[/QUOTE] You are so to the point, I have friends who own very high end systems and they would turn their nose up to anything else bar ML, krell etc alike. I think they are more into the hardware than actually enjoying the music. One example I can tell you, a friend changes his system nearly every month and states that I have found the perfect sound and will never upgrade or change his system, but weeks later, the whole system is changed and the same phrase is said again. This goes on and on and to be very honest, I dont think he really sits down and listen properly before jumping the gun and digging deep into his pocket again. I will keep you updated once the mods are done. Final note, do you notice that the SCD1 are abit fussy on disc. I can play certain disc that sounds great from a different front end and sound dull with the scd1, but when you find a top notch disc played in the scd1, boy, does it sound good. cheers