To be honest I cannot compare now as the DCD-1600NE has gone and the DCD-800NE is in situ. There is no audible difference in presentation to my ear, but I am certainly not trying to suggest that the 800 is as good as the 1600, and at 4 times the cost the 1600 damn well should be a superior machine. What I am trying to get across is that for a not too expensive machine (£250/£260 new at most suppliers these days) you will get excellent CD playback , and picking up a mint 2nd hand machine is a real bargain. I am pretty sure that around this price range (£250/£350) there is a glut of very able and capable machines. It's all about whether you wish to spend considerably more to go to the next level.