Wow. I'm a bit intimidated by the quality of the opinions and experience of those expressing them. Nevertheless, I recently reviewed a couple of CDplayers and thought you might be interested.
I was listening to Magneplanar 3.6s through VTL 750 monoblocks, then a single stereo BEL 1001 amp (I hate to admit it, but on that day with those speakers the BEL came out on top). The CD player was an Ayre (forgot the model number but the dealer claimed it was their "top of the line" model), which was fantastic. However, the dealer insisted on making a substitution. In went the Linn Sondek CD player (I don't recall the exact model name) at US$20,000. Obvious improvement from an already impressive sound. There were 3 of us in the room and immediately all 3 agreed. So what did I end up with? The Cary CD 303 of course! Best of luck, and enjoy the search.
I was listening to Magneplanar 3.6s through VTL 750 monoblocks, then a single stereo BEL 1001 amp (I hate to admit it, but on that day with those speakers the BEL came out on top). The CD player was an Ayre (forgot the model number but the dealer claimed it was their "top of the line" model), which was fantastic. However, the dealer insisted on making a substitution. In went the Linn Sondek CD player (I don't recall the exact model name) at US$20,000. Obvious improvement from an already impressive sound. There were 3 of us in the room and immediately all 3 agreed. So what did I end up with? The Cary CD 303 of course! Best of luck, and enjoy the search.