Which CD player to buy, Sony, Meridian, Theta, or?


I am going to purchase a replacement CD player now, but, the used ones I would like, are not around to audition. I need your help.
I have an Audible Illusions Modulus A3 pre-amp
Bel Canto EVO2 amp
Celestion 11 speakers (will be upgrading these next year)

The CD players I have in mind are: Theta digital Miles, Sony xa7es, Meridian 508.24, and the California Audio Icon MKII HDCD version.

It would be best for me to choose the least most expensive player, but, I want the best for the money. I want the best for my money, as, I don't plan on upgrading for awhile, i'm going to buy new speakers next year (and another Bel Canto EVO2 amp so I can have a bridged pair)
Any help would be greatly appreciated..
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Showing 2 responses by jayctoy

Bigkidz if you will go for the sony mod, You will not
look back, make sure tell Dan if you go Modwright,
to add volume control,they shine with direct amp.
My 9000es signature reference mod,blew my friend
when he visited last week, He stayed 3hours instead of
just dropping by 30 minutes,I am familiar with the meridian
508.24 my friend use same speaker like mine,the sony
mod is more holographic, they have full rich sound, but
the sony is tube for my taste is not even close, Between
this three if you go for the mod, Ill take sony.If not
I will choose the meridian.IMHO.
Moonrat if you have the 9000es with volume control,
and the tube,this player is hard to beat especially
on the sacd,I think very few knows or heard,what a mod
9000es can do.I sometimes wonder,and think buying
onother SCD1 to send it to Dan again,to use it on
on my reference system, and the sony to my other
system.Even the consonance owner was speechless, when
He listen to my system,was totally impress.IMO,IMS