Yet silver disc collectors will find their library is in very safe hands, as this fifth-gen flagship makes CDs sound thrillingly musical, and does so from a glamorous, well-engineered machine that's a real pleasure to use.

It is as natural a player as I have heard, and whilst it was in the system I found myself playing it pretty much exclusively, even when I wasn’t actively listening or taking notes. Neil Young is still playing quietly on the system and as I look up I can almost picture him sat in the round on his stool – the acoustic as he moves away from the mic on Pocahontas does catch my attention. The sound I’m getting is untaxing, clear and detailed – and that’s pretty much how I’d sum this CD player up.

It is a clever machine that will probably survive the following decades and will be a calm and pleasantly entertaining companion throughout that time, which may not have the spark of youthful wildness, but can enchant with a mature, soulful beauty from somewhere "from within", which may not be attractive on the very first listen, but the magic of music presented in such a natural way will not easily get tired of it.