What are the best CD Player around $3500?

Hmmm an interesting question. Having owned McIntosh equipment and a current owner of JM Labs speakers (Mini Utopias) I would suspect that your sound is touch lean. I'm a big fan of the Cary line. I had the 303-100 and it was an excellent player in my system. I have heard the older Meridian players but have not heard the Ayre equipment. I'm going the Sony 999ES / Modwright route for my next upgrade.

Have tried Cary and Meridian. But with my revealing Duos the Audio Aero just blew them away. You could very well find a Capitol for $3500 or if not, go with the smaller Prima.

SimAudio Nova, or used Eclipse - if you like a good SS sound.

Why no mention of the Gamut's MKII cdp??
Anyone have opinions on this??

Probably most of the players listed will do a great job. Your jvc player is holding you back so much that all will be a significant improvement. Do you have the opportunity to listen to any of them? I have heard the mac, ayre and cary and could live with any of them. I would rate the cary first, ayre second and the mac third. Resolution with the cary is the best and the sound never gets too etched. I have the same amp paired with von shweikert vr4 jr. The front end I decided to go with is a $500 dac mated to my dvd player. I am extremely pleased and have yet to find something that sounds better.