Best CD player under 5000

Meridian 508.24 -- Stereophile Class A ($3995)
Sony SCD-1 -- Stereophile Class A+ ($5000)

I've listened to both. I own the Meridian. They are spectacular. I'm not sure if Sony is selling the SCD-1 anymore. It plays SACDs and normal CDs. SACD may not make it, but for normal CD playback it is phenominal as well. I'd check them both out. Neither are tube, but I think you will be impressed. DVD-Audio is another option for you. I have not heard any of the players, but I recommend you check them out. Hope this helps.

interesting, that you asked,easy the Cary CD 306 upsampling CD player. I have one that I bought a month ago for $5000.00, but I am selling for $3500.00. This is the best CD player I have ever heard totally beats the Meridian and Sony's Cd section on their top of the line SACD player. Please call me if you are interested at (916)361-3805 or e-mail me at www.g_greenamyer@yahoo.com. This unit is perfectly new, only played for about 20 hours. Only reason why I am selling is because I have a lot more analog software that cd's and I want to get an analog set-up. You will ot find a better more realistic sounding cd player, and you will not find a dealer or private party sell this player for less.

well I have a theta miles cd player that is awesome in everyway. It is 1.5 years old it is still under warrenty new retail is 2,850 iam selling it for 1,650 firm plus shipping. If you dont want that then you need to buy a mark levinson 39 cd player it is one of the best units available today. It retails for 6,000 new you can buy a used one for 3,500 it is the best player money can buy. if interested in my player call me at 203-776-8243 Dan good luck