hi-end universal players?

I remember that yet recent and most common advice was to leave CDP alone, and to stick to Philips 963sa for SACD until the universals improve in quality/price ratio. My try with Marantz 8400 confirmed it for me, as its CD quality caused me to return it back ASAP. I didn't look on Lexicon as many were saying that it too resembles the same Marantz.
Just curious if that rule is still correct?..

The Linn Unidisk 1.1 is a stunning piece sonically.

I'll second the Lexicon.
I am using Halcro's and Sound Lab A-1's and the Lexicon is definitely worth the askance.
Plus, Theaudiotweek, a long time friend came over today. He placed the Sistrum SP-1 under the Lexicon, and wow!!!!
I had never heard it before. I don't mean it was one of those, gee maybe it's better if you face west and squint. It WAS BETTER by such a margin as to be unbelieveable.
I imediately bought it.
The bass was about a full octave of articulation, better, staging, clarity, focus. Wow. If all upgrades were this easy, and this cheap!!!!
Kudo's to them!!
Some months ago, I spoke of my own Platform, home brew as being good. But I must say with all homage to Sistrum, they are in another world from other devices.
Best

I have the Marantz, on CD 1 out , which you use for High res , there is their HDAM output device, on CD 2 out, its a cheap op amp. Solution, listen to redbook on the High Res output {same input as you would use for a 2 channel SACD for example}. Big Difference , I discovered this by accident, and I understand the original Phillips machine is built the same way. Also like many high rez players , especially for SACD, insane amount of break in time is required.

Esoteric, Primare, Theta, Bel Canto, Linn, Denon (?), Lexicon, Integra, Marantz, ...what have I left out?

Among these,

Theta I hear is great with their new DAC but then that adds substanital cost
Linn is too expensive when the incremental sound quality compared to others is questionable in my opinion: its just their way of trying to recoup development costs of their chip set which they did alone....not a good reason
Denon, Integra, Lexicon all good value, but probably lacks true hi end quaility (perhaps not the Lexicon)
Bel Canto similiar in price to Linns
Thus Esoteric if u are considering a budget of US$5000 or lower?