What is the basis for an "audiophile" component?

The reason I'm asking is I'm researching universal disk players such as the McCormack UDP-1 which carries the moniker as an "audiophile" udp but the Denon 5910 which does the same plus more on the video end, does not carry such a title. So is this just marketing or are there true characteristics that seperate the two?

Paradigms Mini Monitors VS Polk Audio Monitor 40's bookshelf speakers

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I am having a hard time making up my mind. Both seem to be very well built speakers. I can get the Polks for around $270 /pair Canadian.($500 Retail) The Paradigms are more ~ $548 Cnd. Both have similiar frequency response, and size. I have a Paradigm PS1200 series subwoofer and I love it. It is stunning.

Cyrus CD8x CD Player with outboard PSX power supply

The Cyrus CD8x CD player (with its outboard power supply, PSX) has been making a lot of noise accross the pond for a while now (been in production just over a year), and it's been revered as 'the' state of the art cd player out there, even when compared with Musical Fidelity's line up...Any hope Stereophile can review it as as a swam song for red book cd's music reproduction?

Thanks!!

Review Questions

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I guess this question is directed more towards John Atkinson and his stuff. In light of the good review the Paradigm S2's recently got from Stereophile, are there any plans to review the Signature S8's? These have recieved even more praise and accolades from reviewers all over, it would be nice to read Mr. Atkinson's take on them, any way that can happen?

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