Best cd player


Looking to upgrade my cd player. I own a Linn Karik and Numeric dac and would like to know if people are familiar with these and can offer a better sound. Looking to spend less than $8000 and much less.
128x128snook2
given the budget, best dac theta gen va and work with theta when the upgrade to 24/96 is available. i would match this with the theta jade transport. THIS IS ONE OF THE TOP FIVE DIGITAL FRONT ENDS BAR NONE AT ANY PRICE!!!!! i recommend picking up a used gen va for about $2000 and you may have to go with a new jade but a new one is about $2500. WAY UNDER YOUR TARGET OF $8000. state of the art digital front end and its UPGRADEABLE as technology changes. i lay down anyone to challenge this performance/price combination and its upgradeability.
I have owned many players and the two that have stood out are the Krell 30i and the CAL CL-10. The 30i versatility of several digital inputs makes it's DAC available for many transports. I also have a Sony SACD 777es which is nice but does sound better when in regular CD mode coming thru the 30i.
have you heard of the new electrocompaniet ECM-1 top loading cd player? retail price is $3995.00, the word is it's very analog like! I am a new dealer for this product and have one on order. please reply if interested.