best SACD player

So I can’t directly answer your question.  However let me describe what I do because it will be within your budget.

  I output the DSD layer from SACDs with my Oppo 105 transport over HDMI into my Bryston DAC, which has HDMI inputs.  Oppo doesn’t make players any more, but you can use a Sony Universal Player for the same transport function.  The Sonys go for a few hundred dollars, the DAC for around $4K

Both the Technics and Marantz newest SACD players are worth your time to investigate. I was a big SACD tech enthusiast, but my experience did not live up to the hype. Some 10 years ago I specifically bought a Oppo 105 to play SACDs, but was not blown away. I replaced the OEM PS with a significant linear power supply (LPS), which definitely helped redbooks, but not so much SACDs.

HTH

I'd add the Denon A110 to your list - great sounding player and transport. I own it - sounds great. I liked the return to CDs and the ability to play SACDs so much I purchased a Marantz SA-10 for my other (balanced) system.

I own a previous iteration of the Denon, and is indeed a very good player

I would go with a second hand Esoteric SACD player at your price range.