I think it looks hot, in a spectacular sci-fi chick wearing a foil cape as an extra on Dr. Who kind of way. I haven't heard any reviews that said sound alone makes it worth the price without modding and/or tuberolling.
But I still intend to get one when I win the lottery -- I think it will go with my O'Heocha D2 speakers.
Dude, you really need to discover some Kylie Minogue. The album Body Language is a particular favorite of mine. The video for the song, "Slow" cracks me up:
Also Pink, her first album, Can't Take Me Home -- check out the track, Hell Wit Ya:
Annie, Anniemal -- "Chewing Gum":
The SA8001 is awesome, but since I have no experience with the CD5001, I have no idea how large or small a step up it would be for you. But you get SACD, and that, in itself, will be a pretty nice step up.
Is there any way you could try it on a return policy from a local store or something?
I say: dew et.
What's wrong with you? That's like porn to some of us. Naked equipment is awesome.
How about the AudioValve look, do you like them? I would guess that that would be the perfect happy medium -- you can still see the gear, but the external shell is nicely esthetic as well.
Not Time Out, but Classic Records' version of Birth of the Cool is mono: (from here).
I was only over there on their site because I was looking for the picture that comes with their DAD's -- it's basically their version of the K2 process -- very minimal, with as short of a chain as possible, and as high quality every step of the way as possible. If anyone knows what I'm talking about it and can find it, I'd appreciate it.