best CD transport available?

Cost no object, CD-only transport = Goldmund 36+
I prefer it over their new Eidos 38 in terms of low-end weight and musicality in the context of my system, and it's visually stunning. As always, just my opinion.

Unless you're looking for a "cost no object" choice, let me recommend Audio Alchemy DDS Pro, which I've just started using in place of a Sonic Frontiers SFT-1, Stereophile Class A in its time. The DDS Pro has a separate power supply, which led to even greater quiet in a system that, with a Power Wedge Ultra 114, was already pretty quiet. It's my current candidate for audio bargain of all time.
You might get one cheap enough to also go for a good interface: Genesis Digital Lens, Meridian 518, Assemblage D2D-1, something like that. I'm currently using a 518, and could still hear a clear difference between the DDS Pro and the SFT-1. It's nonsense to say that the transport, or for that matter the cable coming from it, no longer matter if an interface is used. Though maybe a matter a shade less.

Spectral Reference Transport SDR 3000. Better that any I have had in my system including Levinson 31.5.

Might as well add the big Burmester and Accustic Arts transports. I personally haven't heard them but heard good things about them. The AA transport is at a 'best buy' price and the Burmie is.... not :-). Here is a description and picture:

http://www.aaudio.com/accousticarts_drive1.html

Mike

Jcbtubes has correctly answered the question, a very close second would be the Jadis JD1 trans. Hey Mejames could you possibly start another thread, with the same question on DAC's. . oh, i see Audiofed has mentioned the big Burmester, now that's a consideration as well, 3rd place.