Best CD Player under $1200

Here are my rankings of CD players I have had from "best" to "worst" in MY system. Your mileage may vary:

Sound Quest SQ-12
Consonance CD-120
Cambridge Audio 640C (v1)
Arcam CD-73T
Music Hall CD-25 (v1)
Rega Planet 2000
Original Rega Planet
AH! Njoe Tjoeb 4000

I were adding a CD player to any of my second systems I'd prefer to get another SQ-12. But, given that money doesn't seem to be growing on trees at my house, depending on the system I was putting it in (matching sound of player to the system), and price I could get it for, I would happily purchase any of these again - except the Njoe Tjoeb (not sure I'd take one if I were getting it for free, no offense intended to the Njoe Tjoeb fans out there).

Enjoy!
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audio aero prima - around $1200

Any Arcam as long as it has Ring dac

I agree with TPK123, Esound CD-E5 Signature is one of the best sounding, best built, CD players that one can buy brand new for under $1200... actually $878 new, shipped express from an online distributor.

I have a Creek CD 50 Mk II. It cost $1500 new but can be had for about $700-900 used, when available. It has some very nice sound characteristics: a great sound stage, lots of detail and very neutral.