Best CD player under 5000

marantz sa-1

I just heard another members set-up which sounded quite good, he had new Sony DVP S9000es which can play SACD/DVD/CD
formats and can be purchased on the internet for $1200 or
less. For superior CD playback he connected outboard DAC which is currently Perpetual P1A/P3A with Monolithlic power supply.

In the future he can update his outboard DAC as needed.
Seems like a good flexible approach as new formats are
evolving. Sony DVP looks super sweet also, front loading,
fast track access (unlike first Sony SACD player)

Marantz SA-1 without question. MSRP is $7500 but street price is about $5000.

I listened to a buch of different players before buying a Cary 303, used, for a very nice price. I'm not going to say that it's the BEST CDp on the market, but I think it's a wonderful player for the money - warm, detailed, harmonically accurate and dynamic. It needs a LOT of break-in, and good cabling, to show what it can do. If I had the scratch, a 306 would be in my system right now.

I would liked to have auditioned an Electrocompaniet, but there isn't a dealer in my area. I prefered the 303 over Resolution Audio CD55, Theta Miles and some other well known players.

I agree with Doug, you get a lot of mileage from a good tube pre...but digits aren't digits, the digital front end is crucial to the sound of your system.

BTW, the Carys are frequently discounted new. Check 'em out.

I listened to a friend's system while travelling, and could not believe how terrific his CD player was. I think it was a Resolution Audio. He really knew his stuff on room setup, also. My own Sony ES 777 definitely did not measure up when playing the CD's that I had with me then, but I still like being able to play SACD's at home. I'm not sure I like the fact that everyone is embracing another Sony owned format, though.