I own a NAD CD player which I purchased in 1987 for about $350. If I had to replace it (it still works great), I'd expect to spend between $400 and $550 for what I want. $1000? No efin way! I've been told by several sources that to equal even mass market CD player sound, you'd have to spend over $1000 (a conservative estimate) on the right table, arm and cartridge combo. Personally, I don't find it feasible (priorities, priorities), though I don't begrudge those that do. By the way, I do notice a significant difference, mid-range especially, between my Sumiko mm Pearl cartridge and the Denon mc I owned prior to the Sumiko. I've considered replacing the Pearl with the high output mc Sumiko Blue ? Special.