The best CD Player for the money

First I would like to thank all of you for your input. It is nice for a change to have opinions that are objective but not putting down one another.I will take into your choises and look on audiogon for a good deal.One had asked what equipment i am using,audio research sp14,cary amp, a linn lp12 turntable and maggie3a speakers.If anyone else has any ideas based on the equipment that would be helpful.Anyway agian thank you all and have a great New Year.

Kkirkpa, I have to agree you. I tried and tried not to like the cd playback,( I mean c'mon its Sony right?) but after 50 hrs or so of break in it really is pretty nice sounding. This is a total bonus since I only bought it for the SACD/DVD aspect. To find the cd playback is so good it really takes away any of that buyers guilt. What a deal.

I bought the Sony DVP9000ES a week ago and my initial impressions were very unfavorable - lean and sterile with very little low-end oomph. In fact I had decided to return it before I got on this thread! Kkirkpa's experience seems to suggest that I should probably let it burn in some more. I hope it changes character before it is too late to return it.

I tried the Sony's as well. Great units, but the Naim CD5 was the best I heard by far.

A few of us here really like our transport/outboard dacs. I really enjoy my DAC1 using a DVD player as a transport. The last Stereofool had high regard for the latest and fully upgraded MSB dac over the DAC1. I bet you would like either one. Check out these reviews, I think they might help answer your questions about the advantages of the outboard dacs. http://www.onhifi.com/product.shtml http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/belcanto_dac1.htm http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/belcanto_dac1_followup.htm Total cost could be, with a used DAC1 and a new DVD player, only $1k, not including ic's. Good Luck. Charlie