CD player in the $2,500 to $5,000 range

I second the opus 21 and have heard the $1500 GNC mod is worthwhile...the players performance is also improved when run straight out from it's DIN connector.

I have read some really good reviews of the audio aero both their prima and capitole model. They are available on audiogon for your price range. At least worth a look.

Msmcelwee,

I have the Ayre CX-7e in my second system. If you want to be within the $3,000 range and you don't want to consider modded players, the 7e is the ticket.

However, if timber accuracy and grain free and fatigue free characteristics are very important to you, I would suggest, if possible, stretch your upper limit to about $6,000 and get a fully modded APL 3910. I have the APL 3910 in my primary system. It's performance is close to the no-holds-barred players currently available in the market for about one-third the cost! It's detailed, yet not analytic. It reproduces the sweet delicacy of music without smearing the fine and rich harmonic texture. It's ability to re-create the textural and dynamic nuances draws you in into the music. It is very involving. It's realism at times is jaw dropping. Extention in lows and highs is superb; as are the dynamics, both micro and macro. If you value balance and coherence, it delivers. Personally, I don't listen to music (mainly classical) for the soundstaging and imaging, but both are impressive on the APL. Find a source where you can listen to it and decide for yourself. After a brief listen I was hooked and stretched my budget to place the order. If you are not able to extend the upper limit of your budget, talk to Alex at APL HiFi, he can do a partial mod for less than $6,000. This player is in a much higher league than those you listed. A distant second to the APL 3910 is the Ayre CX-5e (retails for $6,000). It too is in a higher league than your listed units.

Great Listening,
John

Cary CD303/300 is excellent player at $4k and if you want something more cheaper check CEC TL51xz at just $1590-belive me it is very good player. Review is on http://www.stereotimes.com/

I agree with Reubent about the R.A. Opus 21.
It is a very, very good cdp.
(It has a built-in analog volume control, so no preamp is necessary.)
It is every bit as good as Reubent says it is.
(I own one.)
New they are $3,500, and used they go for $2,200-2,500.
(Btw, R.A. is incredible to work with. The owner, Jeff Kalt is very helpful and very nice. I can not say enough good things about him.)

If you don't mind buying used, you can get a slightly better cdp, the Audio Aero Capitole II. It does sound a bit better, but it goes for close to $5k used. (New it is about $9K.)

Those are the two that I recommend in your price range.
Good Luck in your search!