DEAL ENDED: Denon RCD-CX1 CD/Super Audio CD Receiver for $1,288.16 with free S&H at Amazon.com

Amazon.com has the Denon RCDCX1 CD/Super Audio CD Receiver for $1,288.16 with free shipping and handling (down another $32 since last week). That’s the lowest price I could find by over $200. Denon seems to keep a tight rein on dealers, so its prices (particularly on the higher end items) are rarely discounted. It’s also $1,100 less than buying the functionally equivalent Denon separates on which this unit is based: the Denon DRA-CX3 Audiophile Stereo AM/FM Tuner/Amplifier currently sells for $1,199 on Amazon, and the Denon DCD-CX3 CD/Super Audio CD Player sells for $1,199 on Amazon. It received praise in this article in Stereophile. Although a combo unit such as this might turn off audiophile purists, the upside is it eliminates the need for a [potentially pricey] pair of interconnects, and is much less obtrusive than multiple components. Paired with some nice speakers, this would make a great system for someone who doesn’t want to agonize over the details of choosing separate components, but wants high end build quality.