Is there a"giant Killer" CDP ?

Well, I'll throw my $.02 at ya. The CD players you mentioned above are in a league of their own. About as good as digital gets. If getting 85-90% of the sound of the above mentioned players will satisfy you, I can mention a few. The Meridian 508.20 or .24. I owned both and preferred the .20 version. The Audio Aero Prima is probably the best under $3k player that I've ever heard. The one I own now is probably my pick for the "giant killer" of redbook players. The GamuT CD1. Can be found around here used in the $2k range. IMO cant go wrong with any of them. All provide top notch sound without the second mortgage. Like I said, just my $.02.

I've owned 390S, Wadia 850, and Accuphase DP65. I liked the 390S the best of the three. They all had their strengths and weaknesses. For what it's worth, I got out of them and into 47Labs Flatfish/Shigaraki dac and have NO regrets. I did add the PUREPOWER battery to the rig but I can tell you I am finally really enjoying digital now. During this time, I've owned Guarneri Homage and Avantgarde speakers. They allow me to hear the changes and differences pretty clearly. Good Luck

Sure, the Classe CDP-1....after owning the ML-39, Sony XA-7es, various transport/DAC combos, the ARC CD-2 and 3...etc. this Classe player is a super "bang for the buck" it could be the ultra-analog DACs or the fact that there are discrete transistors in there...not big IC chips/op-amps, but this is a very musical CD player.

This may not be the ultimate giant killer...but it may be the very best, price considered.

Sorry to confuse the issue but I think the answer to your question depends on what you, and those that respond to this question, can hear (multiple meanings intended).

I have both a Sony SCD-555ES and a Wadia 861xi hooked into the same system. I have conducted blind tests, playing the same redbook cd on each to see if they can be distinguished.

Many people cannot tell one from the other. Some can tell the difference accurately, consistently, descriptively, and unfailingly.

I own the Capitole Mk 2 and Prima, for 2 different systems. I have compared the Prima to the Capitole and the Capitole is just a little bit better, not by much. The Capitole Mk 2 is considered by many to be one of the best players at any price, so this really says something about the Prima.