Best CD Player - Opinions?

An Audio Research CD-3 is probably the best there is with
the CD-2 used being the best bargain in the industry.

I have exactly the same considerations: upgrading from a WADIA 850. The bottom line of all information I could get was: WADIA 270/27ix or Capitole. If you love the WADIA sound go for the WADIA combo. I will....
Good luck!

a list of "the best" one-box cdp's isn't complete without the addition of the burmester cdp-001. it uses a belt-drive on a top-grade (consumer) phillips transport and an upsampling dac. if you like german design, build quality and sound, the 001 definitely deserves an audition. -cfb

Looks like you are a big Krell fan - I am too. My recommendation would be the Krell KPS-28c, to match your other Krell components. While Krell sound may not to everyone's taste, I find the details, range extension, speed and dynamics of Krell components quite unmatched, and these qualities suit my taste quite well. I don't particularly like laid-back, warm and fuzzy sound.

I have a KPS-28c cd player coupled with Krell KAV amps, and I have not been disappointed, although I look forward to upgrading to a FPB amp in the future. Like you, I have Nautilus speakers (801s/HTM-1/805), but with Lexicon MC-1. So far I am still enjoying my set up very much, until maybe someday when I get tired of the Krell sound.....

Go with the Mark Levinson 39 cd Player or
the current ML 390.