Moving up to audiophile cdp


I am considering moving from my meridian 568 doing all processing to a separate SS preamp, inexp. processor, and quality cdp OR DAC. Thus far I have only used BB sony cdp/dvd players going into my meridian. I'm interested in the following:
Moon Equinox
Meridian 508.24
Sony scd777es
Music Hall Maverick

Any suggestions are appreciated. Would I be better off still moving away from the processor with a reasonable pre and getting a good dac to use with my existing BBuy cdp?

Thanks
jamesw20
I migrated from a Meridian 508.24 (and also had a Sony SCD777ES) and feel that the Accuphase DP75V that I replaced these with was in a completely different league, making the other 2 players sound like mid-fi. The DP75Vs sell for around $4-5000 used.
Well, it's not on your list, but having owned MANY high-end players (Sony SCD-1, Ayre CX7-E, Resolution Audio Opus 21, Meridian), here's my suggestion: there's an Exemplar 2900 w/ Siltech wiring on the 'gon right now for $1600 or so. That player will knock your socks off :)

Good luck.
Thanks for all the responses. I didn't give my limitations in price, $1000 or so is my max. I've seen some of the new Chinese models that look good, but wonder how's the performance/quality?
Quad CDP-2 (9 series) is the one to beat in this price range (slightly higher but not by too much). Also hearing good things about the new Rega Apollo but not enough consensus yet.