ffiish:
I'm afraid I've not heard the 8x - this was my first foray into hi-fi at this price point. The dealer said the difference was astronomical, and they had slashed the prices to try to shift the last few...
On a different thread somewhere ("Have What Hi Fi heard the CD8SE" or something) I have expanded somewhat on the review posted above!
I played with the 8se recently in different systems. Whilst I did'nt compare it back to back with the predecessor it sounded very nice and fun everywhere I tried it (but so does the 8x). Astronomical difference? Not sure about that. Its a cdp and lets face it, differences, whilst clearly audible in different price categories/products, are hardly of the astronomical variety. I dont think I'd just yet rush out and replace the 8x with a 6 or 8se. It may be a different scenario if you (a cyrus system owner) plans to add a psx to the 8x. It may not be worth it for the price if the new players achieve similar (better?) results 'naked' as they come ie. without add-ons.