"Best" of the "Universal" players ???.

For CD sound primarily.

I want "super" CD sound; but would much prefer the machine be universal.(I don't want to sacrifice much at all in CD sound to the very best CD only players. However I realize my isolation & conditioning technigues will enable my sound to surpass that of the finest CD player(Spectral?) in some other less refined system)
I tend to feel the Esoteric machines are likely 'best' and the "safest" bet for long term reliability or factory support with parts/upgradability.
Are there any other "universal" machines I should consider?