Which is the best CD-Player up to $ 10k ?

If looking for a redbook only player, I would try out a AMR CD-77 or the ARC CD-7. However, if you are interested in SACD's, as I would be, I would check out the Audio Aero Prestige, though the AA transport issues would concern me at this amount of $$$. The Marantz SA-7S1 also deserves serious consideration at this price level.

Cheers,
John

thanks so far for the very nice input. I have had already Accuphase DP-67, Esoteric DV-50S, Audio Aero Capitole MK II with mods, Ayre C-5xe and a GNSC modded Wadia 581 as well as the former Marantz top model and the here mentionned Ayon CD-1.

The Wadia was by far the best - followed by the C-5xe. The only downside with the Wadia was its reliability. I have been told the later SE version is improved in this area as well as sonically ?
The Ayre was superb sounding and very reliable - only downside is the cheap and awfull plastic tray (Charles if you read this: please make my day and develop a nice series 3 or 1 cd-player.
The Audio Aero had extreme reliability issues and was sonically very good at the top-end/ mid -range. Base line was quite bad and bloomy.
The mentionned Ayon CD-1 was very good for the asking price but couldn´t compete with any of the other players. Furthermore had it to be repaired twice because of realibility issues.
Esoteric DV-50 S was a good device. The Accuphase DP-67 sounded flat as a pancake and was musically totally uninvolving.

Unfortunately I had no chance to compare these players A B and with the latter models.

I will follow the hint with the AMR and the CD-7. How do the compare to the machines on my shortlist ?
rgds.

I have the Wadia 581SE for close to a year now and I have not encountered any problems and it sounds great.

hi frankpiet:

you should also consider the lector 7 mk 1.

i heard the audio research ref 7.

both players are worthy of your time and energy.

i'm curious as to the results of your comparison.

Frankpiet, the AMR CD-77 is the real deal. Based on having heard the Wadia 581SE alongside the AMR player in my own system, I think you will find that the AMR player will be at least as good. (Not to take anything away from the Wadia, which is an excellent player in its own right.) I can't comment on the ARC CD-7, as I have not heard it in my own system. I understand that the Playback Designs MP-5 compares favorably with the top CDPs we are discussing here as well, but I have not yet heard that component with my own ears.