The best CD Player for the money

I hear that the Granite Audio #657 with a new tube output stage will be the one to beat, especially for its likely price.

RICOH CD101

I'm happy with my Sony SCD 333 ES. At $1200 list it was a good buy, at $500 or less it's now a steal. Use the money you save to buy lots of SACDs and enjoy surprisingly analog-like sound.

linn ikemi for its price range it easily equals the mark levinson 39. All of the sony's with the exception of the TOL sacd player are flawed thats why they need modified. Also for it's price range the arcam fmj 23 is really nice.

All the players mentioned are great and its much easier to get good digital sound now than 10 - 15 yrs ago. I especialy endorse the above opinions of the Musical Fidelity A3, Arcam fmj or alpha nine for straight-up engrossing musicality. I also heard the Micromega stage 3 and thought it was pretty good (now they're up to stage 5 I think). Those are all open, fast and musically engaging types of players. If you want something more smooth and listenable try California Audio Labs, Meridian, or Rega (all great players...just not my style). p.s. if anyone is absolutely strapped for cash and needs a cd player the TEAC PDH-500 at a mere $250 is a sleeper (low bass is not convincing but upper midrange very exciting and detailed, not boring at all!)