As we approach the end of the 21st century's "oughts" decade, many feel that playing music from a discrete physical medium is positively
20th century. Much of my own music enjoyment now comes from computer files, often high-resolution, streamed to my high-end rig via a
Logitech Transporter or
Bel Canto USB Link 24/96. It is perhaps a paradox, therefore, that high-end audio companies are still devoting so much effort to developing expensive, state-of-the-art disc players. In April I very
favorably reviewed Meridian's superb 808i.2 CD playerpreamplifier, which costs $16,995 as reviewed, and Michael Fremer is about to review the ultimate Scarlatti SACD playback system from another English company, dCS. The $80,000 price tag of the Scarlatti makes the subject of my review this month, the Boulder 1021, seem relatively affordable at $24,000.
