Like I said, I know that there is all kinds of debate out there about a lot of this stuff. The guy who sold the player to me is actually one of the owners of this very high end but small scale business. He's also blind, and as a result I'm sure has a very discerning ear, probably much more than any of us. I'm sure he hears things that we wouldn't notice at all.
Part of the problem is that some would like to make what makes better sound completely objective based solely on scientific facts and measurements. I think listening to music is much more subjective than that, and what sounds "better" to one person may not mean anything to another. It's just not that simple. I'm betting my wife wouldn't notice any difference (nor would she care). I didn't mean to stir up the pot; just wanted to share my experience for what it's worth, which probably isn't much.