Thought I'd give a little different perspective. The EMM labs stuff IS very very good, no doubt. I owned it and enjoyed it. But I do not agree with Oneobgyn (who is a friend) that nothing comes close. Digital is always making advancements and I actually think that other players not only come close, but some exceed the EMM. Now remember, this is all about opinion and personal preference - not to mention system variables and component matching.
This said, because I am not a believer in the future of SACD and I KNOW that not all SACDS sound great, plus the fact that I have 30 times MORE redbook CDs than SACDs, I was willing to lose the SACD capability to go to a better redbook player. I, along with 5 of my audio friends (which included the guy who bought my EMM gear), sat in my room and compared the EMM (with both the DAC 6 and the DCC2) and the Reimyo CDP 777 side by side and all of them preferred the Reimyo.
Why? All said the Reimyo had as much or more resolution but sounded a bit less digital, richer and not as white or analytical. Now the difference was not night and day but enough to notice by anyone who is experienced in this hobby and appreciates those subtle differences.
I also have friends who are saying that some of the new players like the ARC CD-7, the new Ayre player and the real expensive Zanden combo (and others)are awfully good as well and give the EMM stiff competition.
Since you asked about redbook, I can assure you MY decision was based on the noticably better redbook performance. But, as always, YMMV.
Good luck.
