Top quality in what price range? Are you interested in an expensive gamble or are you able to audition a lot of different players? These are important questions that will help determine a good recommendation.
Not knowing the answer to those questions, I would hardly recommend the Resolution Audio Opus 21. It is $3500 new, direct from the manufacturer and can sometimes be purchased used for $2400-2600 (You want the "new" transport only). I mistakenly sold mine because I was concerned about the flood of "recommended players" at dirt cheap prices. Well, I'm finding out that "you get what you pay for". Resolution Audio has a 30 day return policy with a small restocking fee. BTW, the RA Opus 21 is the best I've ever heard, but I have not heard the Accuphase, AudioMecca or Audio Aero. They are too expensive for me comfort level.
I've also owned the Theta Miles (balanced), Cary CD-308 and Birdland Odeon Lite DAC which all have built in volume control (The Odeon does not have remote). Based on my experience, I would purchase a Cary CD-308T (tube) if I only had $1500 to spend. Also, the Birdland O'deon AG and Benchmark DAC1 have volume control.
Just some possibilities. If your pockets are deeper (or looser) I'm sure you can do better than my suggestions.
Enjoy,
TIC
Not knowing the answer to those questions, I would hardly recommend the Resolution Audio Opus 21. It is $3500 new, direct from the manufacturer and can sometimes be purchased used for $2400-2600 (You want the "new" transport only). I mistakenly sold mine because I was concerned about the flood of "recommended players" at dirt cheap prices. Well, I'm finding out that "you get what you pay for". Resolution Audio has a 30 day return policy with a small restocking fee. BTW, the RA Opus 21 is the best I've ever heard, but I have not heard the Accuphase, AudioMecca or Audio Aero. They are too expensive for me comfort level.
I've also owned the Theta Miles (balanced), Cary CD-308 and Birdland Odeon Lite DAC which all have built in volume control (The Odeon does not have remote). Based on my experience, I would purchase a Cary CD-308T (tube) if I only had $1500 to spend. Also, the Birdland O'deon AG and Benchmark DAC1 have volume control.
Just some possibilities. If your pockets are deeper (or looser) I'm sure you can do better than my suggestions.
Enjoy,
TIC