Mike, you fail to mention whether you will be using the analogue outputs on the cd player or the digital output. This can make a difference. When using analogue, my 15yr old Hitachi cd player outperforms my 2 year old DVD player hands down. When using the digital outputs, you CAN'T tell the difference because all the DA conversion and line level amplification is done by the amp/receiver.
If you will be using the digital outputs, I would focus more on access times and features. My Hitachi has lightning fast spin up and track access. I tend to get frustrated at friends houses waiting for their cd players to "catch up". BTW, I hate changers for the exact same reason.
