Best redbook CD playback system for $30k

You can definitely lower your dollar costs by buying used, but it will be significantly harder for you to achieve satisfactory results. If you wish to delve into the minutiae of system assembling and room acoustics while you critically listen to dozens of combinations of equipment, then buying used on Audiogon is an excellent way to spend the next year (or two) putting together a system. I strongly suggest you read the following Audiogon thread titled The Secret to A Good Sounding System. It will give you an idea of the amount of effort needed to put together a good sounding system. Alternatively, you could work with a high end retailer and ask them to design your room, system and provide setup.

Regardless of what method you choose, I would strongly recommend you spend at least 20% on room acoustics. You will never achieve high quality sound without addressing the room acoustic issue.

If you consider acoustical treatments for the room as part of the system, that could be the place to start and could take up a considerable portion of your budget. That's a big space you have there.

Rmf,

I have a Zcable Live v4 1 Meter balanced interconnect between DAC and amps. I use XLO Signature speaker cable in a shotgun configuration. I am told this is a close equivalent to the XLO Unlimited speaker cable.

You are probably going to have a tough time auditioning these components quickly though depending on where you live.

If you are going to buy new then find a local dealer that will treat you right. Take recomendations/auditions from them. Lets face it most components in this price range are going to be very good it just comes down to personal preference and you might as well buy local where you can hear the components together as one system. You will also be in much better shape should something go wrong with a component.

I think with that amount of money and a desire to buy new you should be asking for dealer recommendations, rather than equipment recommendations. Then let the dealer(s) put together systems that you can demo, preferably in your home.