What are the best CD Player around $3500?

I have the Ayre CX-7e, just got the upgrade a few months ago. The detail, soundstage and imaging are incredible. I "hear" things in CDs that were not there before! Can't say that I compared it to your other choices but did compare it to an Opus-21. The Opus had a bit more detail but not enough to justify the higher price. And that was the "non-Evolution" CX-7. Not sure if it would better it now, probably not. Good luck with your search. Much of the pleasure is in the hunt!

The Resolution Audio Opus 21, at your exact price point.

It is one of the better CDPs around.

I personally have only heard one CDP I liked better and it was the Audio Aero Capitole II, and at $9500, I had better have liked it better!

Good Luck in your search!

I just broke-in my Cary 303/300 and I love it, even with the stock tubes. Art Dudley's review will appear in October's Stereophile. Not familiar with the others, though.
Jay

Dont know anything about your MA6900, but your JM speakers are definately capable when driven by a bit better of a player.

For about $2500 you can get into a Wadia 850, or for the $3500 you can get into a Wadia 860. You can probably get into the one piece Levinson box for that as well. All of those units use more modern drives should you require service.

I also vote for the Cary 303/300. I have it for about 8 months now, changing the tubes / being able to swithch the the solid state output and the upsampleing is a lifesaver for tayloring the sound to different types of music and cables. I can't live with out it now.