hi-end universal players?

dear ryoung...how does the bel canto compare to the Esoteric in more specific terms? do u have it hooked up as a DVD player as well? how is its video quality?

the key question for me is how good is it playing CDs which is by far prevalent software I use

the secondly SACD

then actually it would be picture quality, then finally DVD-A, given the lack of software

so by just judging by CD, which player is the best?

I briefly tested the unidisk and found it a bit disappointing, though perhaps it was I ABed ti against the Linn CD12.

I'm getting the EMM Labs new transport + DCC2.

But that doesn't play DVD-A. I am not sure about the format so what is US$5000 and below player that is exceptional for DVD-A, to be hooked via analogue inter-connects to the DCC2 which also acts as a pre-amp?

Note given I am set w/ CD and SACD, I just need a player that does well on DVD-A, CD quality ain't an issue.

One of the Arcam players?

Esoteric, Primare, Theta, Bel Canto, Linn, Denon (?), Lexicon, Integra, Marantz, ...what have I left out?

Among these,

Theta I hear is great with their new DAC but then that adds substanital cost
Linn is too expensive when the incremental sound quality compared to others is questionable in my opinion: its just their way of trying to recoup development costs of their chip set which they did alone....not a good reason
Denon, Integra, Lexicon all good value, but probably lacks true hi end quaility (perhaps not the Lexicon)
Bel Canto similiar in price to Linns
Thus Esoteric if u are considering a budget of US$5000 or lower?