Just wanted to add my vote for the Levison No.39. In my judgement (opinion), nothing else in a one-piece unit comes close to the musicality, smoothness, openess, etc. It's the only CD player I could ever listen to at high volume with no fatique.
The best CD player with volume control
I own an ARC LS5III and have for the last three years. I had always planned to include more than just a cd player into my system. It hasn't happened. I am considering on selling the ARC and running direct. I have made to many mistakes in the past. I can spare about $5,000. Can it be done?