Why are CD's decling in quality?

I also find the Japanese issues of superior sound quality and choose them when available.

The Japanese use 2 different technologies.. SHM-CD and XRCD. SHM-CD uses a special polycarbonate plastic on the data side and allows for more accurate reading by the laser. There is also a SACD version. So the disk material is actually different than regular CDs.

XRCD is a process patented by JVC for producing Redbook CDs; these are the very expensive ones. The source is converted to 24-bit and jitter reduction is applied.
Both formats will play on Redbook CDPs.

I have researched this before I spend $30-50 on a CD.

As a follow up to Lowrider57, Acoustic Sounds sells "Gold" hi-rez redbook CD (e.g., XRCD). I have posted a number of comments about this medium's superior sound -- and we're talking redbook CD. Just picked up 2 Mo-Fi hi-rez "Gold" CDs -- The Cars. Excellent!!!

Many people find Japanese LPs to be of superior quality.

Bifwynne, I think we may have discussed this subject. What I am finding is SHM-CD is affordable and there is a large selection, not so with XRCD.
My question is have you ever ordered from the Japanese based vendors and if so, was the transaction favorable?