On October 1, 1982, Sony released the first ever CD player in Japan. Seven months later, it finally arrived in the U.S., complete with a vast library of 16 available albums.

The audio-centric CDP-NW10 has a CD player, integrated amp, AM/FM tuner, intercom and room monitor, integrated remote, and MP3 media adapter capabilities at about $1,000 per room (what!); the DVP ...