All the players mentioned are great and its much easier to get good digital sound now than 10 - 15 yrs ago. I especialy endorse the above opinions of the Musical Fidelity A3, Arcam fmj or alpha nine for straight-up engrossing musicality. I also heard the Micromega stage 3 and thought it was pretty good (now they're up to stage 5 I think). Those are all open, fast and musically engaging types of players. If you want something more smooth and listenable try California Audio Labs, Meridian, or Rega (all great players...just not my style). p.s. if anyone is absolutely strapped for cash and needs a cd player the TEAC PDH-500 at a mere $250 is a sleeper (low bass is not convincing but upper midrange very exciting and detailed, not boring at all!)
