Best CD player directly to Amp?

I don't know about the "best", but Cary 306/200 with remote volume option does the job. Listed $5500, but you can get a lot less than $5000. To my ears, in my system, sounds great.

Where's all the Wadia fans? I am surprised that no one has mentioned any of the Wadia players. I have used the Wadia 860, and now have an 861. Both are excellent cd players, if you want to skip a preamp. Plus the Wadias can be adjusted, individually, to fit your system. I found them to be quite warm, with a great soundstage. And they are well within your price range.
There are also some really good modifications available, plus they are built like a tank. Check out Steve Huntley's Great Northern Sound Company website, www.greatnorthernsound.com, and check the Stereophile archives. They recently did an article on the 861.
I tried a Levinson 390s, after I sold my Wadia 860, but I found it to be a bit bright in my system, so I picked up an 861, and have been very happy.
You can find Wadias, here, occasionally, but they don't last long. Check them out further on the Wadia website.
Hope that helps.
Enjoy,
Mike

The Resolution Audio stuff is so good. It is every bit as good as all the fine players listed above. They (Resolution
Audio) turn out that quality @$3000 new. I'll put up the Resolution Audio stuff to ANY player out their sonically.
I'm anxious to try the new Opus 21.

Try the new Wadia 301 cd-player. Very similar performance to the Wadia 861 but at half it's retail price.

I have my Wadia 7 + 9 combo connect directly to the amps. I think I am set for the next ten, twenty years. No more spending money on Audio equiptments !!! not even a tweak. Lucky me :-)

Regards
William