In the longer term McIntosh pricing will probably stabilize. Falling under the "Bose" umbrella my guess McIntosh will be held to even stricter MAP guidelines. My guess is dealers will be happy with Bose's strong balance sheet supporting McIntosh.
I can tell you that Wilson's, MBL, B&W, Von Schweikert, and Focal to name a few do not sound good at lower volume levels. They may not sound bad but I never found real enjoyment until a certain sweet spot was reached on each.
I heard the Studio Player at one of my local dealers and was very disappointed. It did not compare favorably to either the Select II or the Nagra DAC. A Cascade was not available at that time to enter into the comparison.
I will fly down there for a few days at the end of this month and again early in Septmeber for a few days. I have to get the internet and TV/Satellite set up in my wife's condo. I will give you a call if I can get away one day.
Actually Mike he stated it is "one of the finest sounding loudspeakers that I have experienced in my room". No matter. He gave it a glowing review and proves one doesn't have to go six figures plus to get a top of the line speaker. Sounds like it does so many things right.