What is the best redbook CD player for 6K to 8K?

Mac Mini plus a Wavelength Cosecant USB DAC. Investing in a CD player now is like buying a cassette player after the begining of the CD revolution.

Alex, I am delighted to see that you have lately addressed some of the considerable outstanding APL customer service challenges. I do understand perfectly that not being the OEM makes it more difficult, as control of parts sourcing is per se more limited because of the additional steps of indirection. On the other hand, some of APL's service issues do not seem to have been resolved as yet, although their older e-trails have mostly being clensed from the APL fora by Mr. Rainwater, I presume.

DBLD, I am not personally interested in modders 'helping out' with a repair. I personally rather prefer a clearly defined and legally binding statement of limited warranty, from an original manufacturer. Of course, not all OEM were created equal. . . once again. . . Caveat Emptor!

Guidocorona - You are correct, and that is legitimate concern, as much as the AudiogoN resale value of a "modded" machine...which is usually not that good. If you go that route, you’d want to keep the piece for quite some time.

With my statement above, I meant to clarify that an owner of a modded piece is not "up-the-creek" with no one to fix the machine should there be a problem.

consider the 2 box naim cd x, vintage 1990's.

this was the only digital playback system which didn't have the usual "digital" signature.

If you bought a new cdp would you consider keeping it for quit some time? Or would you sell it and take a loss like anything else that is new? If you buy used and get a good deal you can turn around and sell it for what you paid for it. This way you can test the waters with different players if you want. It is a buyers market right now during the summer months so if you want go and pound on those retailers. I still vote for used and upgraded.