Thanks for the responses so far. I’ve listened to the Gryphon Scorpio in an all Gryphon system, so it was tough to know what the CD Player was contributing. Good sound though. Which Esoteric has R2R Ladder multi bit DAC....all of them or just one in particular? I own a 205 (for a TV system) but have tried it in my main system, unfortunately is was disappointing in comparison to my Cary CD300 on every dimension. I’ve read good things about about Ayon but have not experienced one in person....I will seek one out. Aesthetix is week regarded but I have had a Tube CD player for 23 years....I’m kinda leaning to the best that SS has to offer....but I’ll add it to the audition list. So far The short list includes BDC3, Cantata, Eclipse, Scorpio.
Best redbook-only CD Player under $10k - Bryston BCD3, Resolution Audio Cantata 3.0, ....
I’m interested in hearing thoughts on great CD players under $10k. I prefer single box and not separate DAC and Transport. I’m ok with high quality used gear too. I’ve read good things about the two players in the title and I’ve heard the Esoteric K03x and was impressed (it outperformed the Wadia 781i quite easily). I’d be interested in hearing if anyone did some side-by-side comparisons too. I don’t have any SACDs so I don’t need that functionality. Thanks!