Player that excels at imaging..

What do you mean by 'imaging'? It sounds like you want something that will present a wider, higher soundstage with the players closer to you, am I correct?

If I am correct, you may find the answer in a power cord and do not need a new CDP. Try a Virtual Dynamics power cord on your SF CD-1 first, you may be surprised.
If you want to try a CDP that will also provide the same result (wider, larger stage with closer players) look for a EMM Labs CDSA-SE or an Esoteric unit.

Cheers,
John

i think all above good be the answer, but i have owned alot of players, linn, marantz, musical fidelity, naim,etc...but the best player for the money is a cary 300/100 or 200, they are superb in every aspect and sell reasonable on the market used..good listneing and hunting....whitt

In my experience imaging and depth of sound stage has more to do with speaker choice and speaker position in the room. I have Pass Amps with WP7's. I recently moved them 1.5 feet further out into the room. Originally at 2.5 ft, bare recommended distance from back wall. A major improvement in the areas you describe. CD players or transports offer different presentations as too detail, position of lead voices or instruments to the stage, degree of analogness, and complexity of subtle secondary sounds missed by some. Edginess of high frequencies and base and certainly change between CD players. Therefore, a new improved player will not go unnoticed.
Good luck! Richard

I have heard other players that shrink the soundstage in my system .With my sonic Frontiers it opens it up.Maybe I am looking for a player that puts the voices right in front of me.This sound to my ears like the image is holographic.

You're more likely to get a more involving soundstage and imaging with a tube DAC or tubed player, at least that has been my experience.

Try a tube DAC and see if that helps. The mhdt Paradisea or Havana do not cost too much and are quite good. With the Paradisea, for better bass and dynamics, use the NOS Tung Sol equivalent tube in place of the stock GE tube that comes with the Paradisea.

If it does, and you want to go further, try a tube pre-amp as well.