Does anyone out there NOT hear a difference in CD

Over in the slim device forums someone asked the designer of the Transporter, Sean Adams, what he would have done if cost was no object. He said nothing, there's only so much money you can put into components.

Carlos, if you are referring primarily to the realm of low powered amps and high efficiency speakers, I would tend to agree with you.

Shadorne, the watch illustration is fallacious; in timekeeping there is one universal unit of measurement. In audio what is the equivalent universally agreed unit of measurement by which one can easily assess the merit of a component? "Good sound"? Not quite so easily defined as time.

Whereas the different topology of watches is essentially yielding an identical/measurable result, components' topology do not yield a universally agreed upon result. So, a "pricey" component to you could sound incredible to someone else, and well worth the money.

Wireless200, the Transporter is approx. 6 times the price of the Squeezebox. Both perform the same function, streaming audio, yet one is far more expensive. If it would yield superior results, it would, in fact, reinforce my point that typically higher priced gear is superior for assessment of attending components.

I second Douglas's claim. Differences between entry to mid price to SOA (pricey) digital are audiophile worlds apart. One is good two dimensional wall of gritty sound as compared to other approaching life like presence, three dimensionality and simply more believable- no excuses sound. The jewelry factor is icing on a cake. IMHE.

Douglas_schroeder I understand what you are saying and there is no doubt that a well put together High end rig will show more than a well put together mid Fi rig.

I agree. The key is figuring out where your cost/benefit ratio lies. My current system costs a lot more than I ever thought I'd spend. It's never point a point b; it's more point a point z with a lot of little steps up in price between. The biggest problem was better systems let you know what is good and one acquires a taste for it. "What was once a luxury is now essential."