Solid State CD Player under $2000

"Best" is in the eye/ear of the beholder. There is no definitive "best" anything, it's all subjective. When you ask a question like this, the answers will always be what folks think is "best" to them in their system.

I'll second the Resolution Audio Opus 21.

Naim cdx2or 5x are both outstanding and can be found at comparable prices.

FYI, Naim does not offer XLR outs-- just DIN.

I would think that Ayre should be on your shortlist as they are said to be designed with balanced connections in mind.

Haven't heard any myself but there are definitely players in your price range.

I agree with Bar81. Check out the Oppo BDP-95. It's resolution, staging and presence are miles above anything in it's price range. Plus, it's a universal player that gives you tons of options. I bought it primarily as a two-channel audio playback system (with XLR out). And I'm floored with it. It's also well under 2K. I think they are around 1,100$ new. Just my opinion.