Luna, I can't comment on the Meridian player since I have never heard one, however I have given a good listen to the Audio Research CD3II and thought it was quite good. In the same price bracket is the new Accustic Arts CDP that upsamples to 24/192, compared with their first generation model that upsampled to 24/96, and is a wonderful sounding player with warmth/liquidity along with details/slam. Another suggestion would be the Ensemble CDP which originally sold retail for $9000.00, but can be gotten for alot less now. It's also a wonderful sounding player. These two players are in your budget range, and I believe offer great sonics, along with the Audio Research player and suggest you put them on your audition list. Personnal taste and system synergy are really the bottom line when choosing, so your own ear's must make the final judgement.
