Todd, limiting the reply just to your specific question, i.e. does a stand alone CD player have some advantage over a CD/DVD/etc. player for playing CDs, the answer is definitely not. The CD player uses a laser with a wavelength of 780nm, which is optimum for playing CDs. The combination player uses a dual laser, 780nm for CDs, and 650nm which is optimum for DVDs/DVD-As/SACDs. Each type of disc is therefore read at the optimum wavelength required; no "compromise" which is sometimes claimed is involved.

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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.