CD players = dead?

I don't think sound quality is the issue anymore. I ripped all my cd's and they sound the same, perhaps a tad better than a CD player due to reduced jitter. Perhaps a tad, but pretty much the same. However Tidal when used with Roon is special. Sounds every bit as good with MQA material sounding even better than CDs.  I have done the comparisons vs  PS Audio Perfectwave Memory player which is an outstanding transport. The Memory player bested my previous $5000 CEC transport. 

I suppose it it all depends on the system and total synergy, but experience proved to me that my set-up - Music Vault Ultra II from Sound Science with Tidal and Roon is the ticket! Many front end combos out there that will no doubt yield differing results. 

CD players are long from being dead. Happy Listening!

I see Used PS Audio units selling for $1000 now. Not cheap,, but perhaps more affordable? 

I buy used cds and immediately rip them with DBPoweramp

My tastes run to classical, jazz and folk. It is cheaper to buy a used CD and rip it than down load digital version from HDtracks, etc.

Used CDs can be purchased for a few dollars on Amazon.

But, my CD player has been in a closet for 3 years.