Best CD player under 5000

I just heard another members set-up which sounded quite good, he had new Sony DVP S9000es which can play SACD/DVD/CD
formats and can be purchased on the internet for $1200 or
less. For superior CD playback he connected outboard DAC which is currently Perpetual P1A/P3A with Monolithlic power supply.

In the future he can update his outboard DAC as needed.
Seems like a good flexible approach as new formats are
evolving. Sony DVP looks super sweet also, front loading,
fast track access (unlike first Sony SACD player)

Marantz SA-1 without question. MSRP is $7500 but street price is about $5000.

I listened to a buch of different players before buying a Cary 303, used, for a very nice price. I'm not going to say that it's the BEST CDp on the market, but I think it's a wonderful player for the money - warm, detailed, harmonically accurate and dynamic. It needs a LOT of break-in, and good cabling, to show what it can do. If I had the scratch, a 306 would be in my system right now.

I would liked to have auditioned an Electrocompaniet, but there isn't a dealer in my area. I prefered the 303 over Resolution Audio CD55, Theta Miles and some other well known players.

I agree with Doug, you get a lot of mileage from a good tube pre...but digits aren't digits, the digital front end is crucial to the sound of your system.

BTW, the Carys are frequently discounted new. Check 'em out.

I listened to a friend's system while travelling, and could not believe how terrific his CD player was. I think it was a Resolution Audio. He really knew his stuff on room setup, also. My own Sony ES 777 definitely did not measure up when playing the CD's that I had with me then, but I still like being able to play SACD's at home. I'm not sure I like the fact that everyone is embracing another Sony owned format, though.

Spend the money on the source.Dont take bad advice from Sedond.He is out of his league to suggest there is no difference between a 500 cdplayer and a 5K player.Tone deaf doug or what.