Best SACD/CD player

Zavato,
The Esoteric "must" be good. I am thinking this after currently owning the Teac SACD player. The house sound is detailed and slightly less warm compared to the Marantz. I will take Esoteric Marantz SACD players any day. If you do not have plans to download DSD, then the Marantz should be a great player for less than half the cost of the Esoteric.

I, too, enjoy the Esoteric for SACD only.

The Marantz SA11-S3 is a very fine unit and has become my personal reference source. In another system I have a vintage Enlightened Audio Designs (EAD) Ultradisc 2000 which in combination with Jeff Rowland equipment is intoxicatingly beautiful. I feel that system synergy and intelligent tweaking is essential; so it's tough to nail down a particular unit as being 'the best'. Nevertheless, much of the charm of this hobby is in the quest. Best of luck!

The Modwright Sony XA-5400ES is worthy of consideration in that price range, as would be an ex-demo EAR Acute 4. Or if lack of SACD is not a deal breaker, I know a guy on Stereo.net.au forum who is keek to sell a Vitus SCD-025 circa $10kAUD (approx $6900USD).

Modwright XA-5400ES COMPLETE TRUTH MOD plus upgraded tubes would put you in the mid $4k area.  Performance does not get any better...different, maybe but not better!