My pick 'd be the cary 306. It is very balanced and refined for the price. It'd also depend on whether u need vol conrol.
In my system, i prefered cary 306 to wadia 861 & 581 & 302. At the time, I listened only to digital. I really wanted to stick with wadia due to convenience & cost (savings on IC & preamp & one less power cord) but in the end, I prefer cary with a good preamp.
I also own a esoteric x01 and it is slightly better than the cary. I auditioned (not home demo) EMM & DCS which i think is also slightly better than the cary. i wish i can find a digital player that is many times better than another.
In my system, i prefered cary 306 to wadia 861 & 581 & 302. At the time, I listened only to digital. I really wanted to stick with wadia due to convenience & cost (savings on IC & preamp & one less power cord) but in the end, I prefer cary with a good preamp.
I also own a esoteric x01 and it is slightly better than the cary. I auditioned (not home demo) EMM & DCS which i think is also slightly better than the cary. i wish i can find a digital player that is many times better than another.