Best CDP in the $4k to $8k range

Audiomeca Mephisto 11.x if you can audition is a excellent player. Canary Audio just realeased the CD-100 tube player that uses a Sony Transport and Sony's latest 24/192 dac. I borrowed this Canary unit from a friend and have been listening to it for a couple days and it is very impressive.
It is built solid and uses Hovland Musicaps.

It looks like Cary Audio just released some new players so you may want to give them a look. I have not heard them so I can not comment. But they are a company with a good reputation for building solid equipment with good support. Before considering the wadia you may want to read previous threads concerning their service history. Just my thoughts.

Chuck

It may be time to go the separate route with a Audio Lodic or Chord 64 DAC. I tried a bunch of CDPs Wadia 861B, Audiomeca 2X, extremely modified Shanling, Resolution Audio Opus 21, Accuphasse 77, Sony ES777 and found them all to have various strengths and weaknesses. I prefered the Wadia overall but at the askig price, I found better performance in going with separates. Check out the CEC T1 & T2 transports and the DACs I mention above. That combination bettered the CDPs that I compared it to. Another option is to get a CDP and have it modified, I know a local tech that modified the old Pioneer DP-65 and it is killer for about $1500.

Happy Listening.

I find the player has great sense of balance with great inner detail and nice highs without being forward or etched. Its a player that lets you just enjoy the music.

My second choice would be AR CD3. I think its a great player. It may err on the side of warmth, but its probably the most seductive player I have heard. Its a full sounding player that has great bass extension and clean highs. I am not sure why we never hear more about this player.

I also familar with the Cary 306/200 which I prefer over the 303/200. I think this player does a lot of things well, but lacks the clarity & upper-end detail of the Ayre. I have also heard the Wadia 301 & 302. I thought both were fine players, but analytical for my taste. Its not a player I would enjoy in my system. I have not heard the 861, though. I also agree with your comments on the Esoteric DV50.

I would recommend listening to the Ayre CX-7e as well as their new higher-end, CX5e. At this price range, most players do well. Its a matter of preference and system matching.

I would recommend the Audio Aero Capitole II, if price is no object. (It retails for about $9500, with the Analouge inputs), but used can be found for about $5,500 with the inputs and about $4,500 wtihout.)

My friend and I heard the Capitole II at a dealers audition, (we were there to hear the Lamm amps, btw, which sounded great.) We were both impressed by this cdp.
I will admit that it sounds slightly better than my Resolution Audio Opus 21, although not by much. (If you want to save money, the Opus 21 is $3,500 new and around $2,500 new, and it has a volume control output also.)
My friend has had a Opus 21, and he agreed with me about the Capitole II also. He has owned the Esoteric DV50 and sold it as he preferred the Opus 21.

I have heard good things about the Ayre, but have not actually heard it.

My two cents worth. Good Luck in your search!