First thing, I'd wonder what he meant by "reasonable quality solid-state preamp" or amp. I don't have too much trouble believing the DAC issue; there must be significant design issues/differences with DACs.

However, does this mean he is advocating high quality/price external DACs with high quality/price CD carriers, or can you "get away with" reasonable quality CD players? Or even high quality/price external DAC with a "cheap/reasonable quality" CD carrier/player?

I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!