Best redbook-only CD Player under $10k - Bryston BCD3, Resolution Audio Cantata 3.0, ....

Yes the Ayon CD5s would be a good used choice, as it uses 4 x PCM1704K R2R multibit converter chips.
But the 35se to me would not be as good for Redbook, as it can do sacd which would mean it has to be a delta sigma converter of sorts, not the best way for converting Redbook.

Cheers George

I love my Esoteric player with the Burr Brown PCM1704 R to R ladder Dac Chip.  Sounds so analog like.

I recently purchased the OPPO 205 (My 3rd OPPO) which has probably the best DAC in the world the  ES9038PRO DAC. They also produce UHD equipment. Their engineering skill is obvious every time I look at a blue ray or 4K disk. The same is true for their 
analog balanced output signal into my Pass Lab amp from CDs. I really don't understand why anyone would pay the price for the so called reference CD players when they can have an OPPO. There are simply engineering limits on what a DAC can actually do with a CD
and OPPO has them solved to a level that should satisfy anyone with an excellent system.

Look at the Sparkler Audio S503 Smart CD Player. I have listened to this numerous times at Charney Audio (Dealer). Every time I’m overly impressed what this little cd player with the NOS TDA1543 can do with red book. The player is $1750.00, save your money!  If your in the NY,NJ,PA area you can check it out at Charney Audio.
http://sparkler-audio.com/portfolio/S503_en.html
http://charneyaudio.com/sparkler.html

Thanks for the responses so far.  I’ve listened to the Gryphon Scorpio in an all Gryphon system, so it was tough to know what the CD Player was contributing.  Good sound though.  Which Esoteric has R2R Ladder multi bit DAC....all of them or just one in particular? I own a 205 (for a TV system) but have tried it in my main system, unfortunately is was disappointing in comparison to my Cary CD300 on every dimension.  I’ve read good things about about Ayon but have not experienced one in person....I will seek one out.  Aesthetix is week regarded but I have had a Tube CD player for 23 years....I’m kinda leaning to the best that SS has to offer....but I’ll add it to the audition list.  So far The short list includes BDC3, Cantata, Eclipse, Scorpio.