hi-end universal players?


Linn's Unidisk, Goldmund, the new Theta Compli, MSB Platinum Universal, Bell Canto, Esoteric etc etc...

How do they compare?

How do they compare on CDs with the better CD players?

Which one the best in terms of CD? SACD? DVD-A?

Given the age of uncertainty, but a personal interest in high-rez, I am tempted to just go with an universal player, though concerned all that circuity, especially for video, will degrade the quality...how about you?
henryhk
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?
To ryoung: Could you please be specific about the ways the Bel Canto universal player beats the Esosteric DV-50? Is it better than the Linn Unidisk (the best universal I've heard so far)? Exactly what makes it so special? Thanks!