I would look into the Denon APL modded (with tubes). It's a universal player (SACD - DVD-A), but my dealer says it's up with the best redbook he's ever heard - never mind the SACD, DVD-A capabilities.
What should be on my short list...
What should be on my price no object (well ok $10K or under) short list of red book CD players. Music type is mostly jazz, classical,some older folk, but typically no headbanger stuff. Speakers would be Quad ESL 63's, Soliloquy SM 2A3's or Spendor SP 9/1's. Amps and pre are low powered triodes.