From the outset it was quickly recognised that cost was a potential hindrance to the success and growth of the CD format. The first generation models, typified by the Philips CD100 and the Sony CDP-101 [see HFN Oct '11 and Jan '12], were really just statement pieces to prove that the system worked. After that, the pressure was on to come up with lower-priced offerings that regular consumers, not just committed audiophiles, would be able to buy. Sony started quickly with the D-50 portable [HFN Jan '13] while Philips savagely built its 14-bit machines down to a cost to come up with the lightweight CD 150. By this stage, the public were showing greater interest in the format, but research still continued into ways that consumers might be able play CDs on machines that were more affordable still.
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