What to choose?????

You might also look at the Esoteric X-05. Has the terrific transport.

hello, to my opinions,in your selection..i pick the X05.. the X05 is good for all around,equipments and all type of music for long run,,the other ones are in personal tastes, for what you may like, good luck

The X-05 is twice the cost of the other players the OP stated was is in price range.Slates,did you get a chance to bring anything home for an audition?Keep us posted.

I have the Cary and the bass on this cd player is beautiful.
It has great dynamics and decay. Next on the list is the
Esoteric.

I originally went back to the dealer with the intension of
taking home the Esoteric, he thought I should try the Audio Research CD3 mkII, well it had transport troubles so I couldn't audition it properly.I now have the Esoteric at home and after a full audition I can safely say that there isn't much of a difference the Cary has fantastic smooth bass and it seems a bit softer sounding as the Esoteric has a ton of resolution, and it sounds a bit harder, ever so slight. I could also say the bass on the Esoteric was very good and it was tighter than the Cary. Truthfully, with the right power cords you could get either one of them to sound like the other easily. So now it all comes down to price...

Thank You