what happened to cd player build quality ?

Quality isn't the main goal anymore in so many fields. Why should high end gear be an exception even if the name "high end" suggests quality all over. I do think that if you're not a "bandwagon person" you might still get high quality in many respects - i.e. WADIA, McIntosh, Revel, Sonus Faber, Kimber Select and the like. OK, they do not offer the latest hype but down the road you will be better served than with any (Japanese) quick buck stuff out there.
You guess that I rely on all the above mentioned gear in my system and somehow I don't need this neverlasting upgrade every other month or so. Well, that's just my way and my HO.
Good luck!

I don't know what's the cause but I to have noticed this. It started appearing around the same time DVD players did, from my experience most DVD players don't hold up that well. I am not sure if its because with addition of DVD players in a lot of homes so many more parts are needed and quality control goes down due to the increased demand??? just a theory.

Yes, I heard you loud and clear, and I AGREE with you
1001%. I have 4 Sony ES 200 disc CD changers that were
made between 1997-1999. The Signal-To-Noise ratio is
116db on these changers. NOW Sony DOESN`T EVEN MAKE a
changer with more than 108db, and that`s the ES line!
Also, my CX90ES changers have alot more features than
the ones made today. BUT, I paid FULL Retail price
on those back in 1997 and 1998, at about $1000 EACH.
NOW you can get 400 disc changers for $600.
Sony realized that, why make a great changer when
only 1000 sell, just cut back on the FEATURES AND
PERFORMANCE, and you can sell, 100000 changers.
BOTTOM LINE: IT`S ALL ABOUT CORPORATE GREED! WHAT
SELLS THE MOST.
OH YES, forgot to mention that the changers
DO develope problems after 4-5 years.