life expectancy of a cdp?

6 months to 20+ years. Hope that helps.

2500 hours, btf

OK, now I see where you're coming from, Grant. Yes, we're saying the same thing. Previously, the Philips units were inferior to Sony. The Audio Aero Primas with the Philips part were really bad. Now, it's the other way around - I have very little confidence in the Sonys from the past couple of years.

I know from talking to service guys that a problem that drives 'em crazy is getting a unit in for service ( disc skiping,won't read -whatever) and realizing that it's the same mechanism they are already familiar with on a hate and despise basis from other co.'s products. DVD recorders suffered from this bigtime a year or so ago - apparently almost everyone bought their laser plus spin n tray from the same OEM in Taiwan (Funai) - none of 'em worked.
Frankly - from my point of view - the major problem is that CDP's last too long - people are still playing what were once pretty good for the time players - better and cheaper things have come along since and they just won't give up on that 20 year old treasure.