Best Circa 90's CDP

If the budget it tight, the Pioneer PD 65 is a good one. 

Best was the Audio Meca Mephisto II.  Next the Metronome T1A & AL2 CD Transport & Power Supply.  Another great choice is the Marantz CD-94.  These easily sound better anything suggested above.

@bigkidz Better than the Linn CD12?  I respect your opinions/experience but color me a little skeptical on that one.

Second,

Pioneer PD 65. Add Accuphase DP-65/65v (1997) and Sony ES 7-Series.

Happy Listening!

I have an ageing Exemplar SACD player ( a John Tucker modified Denon DVD3910 ). Yes I have had to replace the laser unit but no great deal and I would back the sound quality against most recent players.  

Continuing with Pioneer, the Elite PD93 or 

PD95. Both bigger brothers, much, to the PD65. I own 

93. Pop the bonnet to be amazed at the build quality.

Separate outboard mounted digital and analog

transformers. A masterpiece in its day, still sounds 

terrific and operates perfectly.