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

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!

I'd say, don't ignore Cary CDP's. I have a Cary 303-200 that I love, & they're around $1500 used. Or, a 306-200 for around $2000 used, I think. Or, there are used Levinsons, Meridians, etc. to look into--I don't think you have to spend even $2500 to get what you're looking for (unless maybe you only want to buy new).

I would go with the Ayre.

Don't have a recommendation in your price range but I'm curious what you are listening to while you search.