1. While the gap closes with the higher end DVD players with better DACs If you were to consider them $ for $ and running analog a CD player would generally outperform a DVD player.
2. Arcam and Shanling make great players. I have been looking to buying one myself so a friend of mine brought over his AH! Njoe Tjoeb 4000 CD player to try out on my system last month. This player is essentially a modded Marantz with tubes and a beefed up amp. My friend had tested it against both those players and was more impressed with its clarity and soundstage. At my place we compared it to my Panasonic dvd s_97 and it was no contest in favour of the Ah.
3. Get 12 guage copper wire at Home Depot and don't worry about this topic anymore.
4. I hear the same rumours but see there sure is a large selection of dvd-a and sacds this holiday season.
