So there I was, looking at this nicely made gear from a German company called Block Audio, with handsome matte-finish aluminum faceplates. I must’ve missed it in Munich, and I figured it was €1000-€2000 a unit. Then a nice gentleman says, "Well, the C 100 CD player costs €449 and the V 100 integrated, with 50Wpc, is €599." I’m hooked. Block does the A 100/P 100 preamp/power amp for €1898, a separates combination good for 150Wpc. Looks like a rapidly dying euro (please, won’t someone provide "eurothanasia"?) and a failing world economy has some benefits.