Still, I think that you're ignoring other variables within the "box"...or are you saying that all algorithms, output devices, DACs, transports, etc, are considered equal?

OK... as we are splitting the already-split hairs... Let me try to
write it again.

We have a disc that is digitally encoded. We have a system that decodes
this information and sends it to the amplifier. AKA A Digital-to-Analog
Converter... DAC for short. We are confining this conversation to
_THAT_ element alone, not anything else beyond the conversion.

So, if the Analog output of the DAC equal-or-exceeds the information
digitally encoded on the disc and without loss or addition of
artifacts, it does the job as well as it can be done. Can we agree on
that? So, whether that conversion system is a $8 pair of chips in a $49
item, or a $400 outboard DAC, if the results are equal, then there is
nothing to choose between them PURELY FUNCTIONALLY. There may be much
to choose between them in other ways, but those choices have nothing to
do with their very specific intended purpose.

Similarly, for transports and anything else of that nature. That one
transport uses oilite bearings and another jeweled bearings may have to
do with longevity, but not with sound output. That one may sound like a
sewing-machine in heat and the other be dead silent again has nothing
to do with its absolute function. So, you need to define your terms and
decide what you mean by 'equal'. If you feel that the reliability and
additional functionalities (outside of the specific purpose) of one
player over another are worth a premium in price, that is entirely your
choice... I feel so as I purchased a Yamaha changer at ~$190 over a
no-name single player at $40 three years ago for its functionality. But
did I have any illusions that I was getting superior sound out of the
Yamaha over the no-name? Not hardly. Nor would I comparing the Yamaha
to an outboard DAC.

And do I vastly prefer the Philips-style transport over the Sony-type
transport. But that preference is perhaps irrational, and would not
determine my choice except that all other things are equal.

Peter Wieck
Wyncote, PA