Michael, ...Mike, (can I call you Mike?) for the love of GOD...a $3500 CD player is no more 'moderately priced' or ' modestly' priced than was the Congress's last $4700 pay raise in a recession prudent and well earned.
The average family income before taxes is only a bit more than $50K....This 'modestly' priced item costs perhaps 10% of their income after taxes! That is one hell of a lot of money to most folk.
You really have to get away from the pinkie in the air, elite, French wine swizzling snobs who think such a wild extravagance is modest. You need to get out more in the real world.
Aside from that one caveat, it was a very well written review, thanks.