The best CD Player for the money

Try a Cary 303/200 CDP.

Used it is a deal!

KF

Dan Wright fully moded Sony stuff though hre sings the praises of the new $1K Phillps that was $2k up until recently.He thought it sounded gr4eat out of the box and give him a budget of say $500-1500 and he'd max it out like the Sony's (he still thinks his fully loaded 777ES is best sound availible including tyhe mega $$ Accuphase but then again he's partial.Still he has folks that agree aNd buy his stuff.He also told me that it may not be last word in Rez but the Ah!Tjube is very pleasant to listen to.It is abargain at $600 and now they have a $300 user installable 24/96 module.Then get some NOS and have fun swapping glass.To some tubes may not make sense in a digital product but if you would put them farther down the chaain for the glow why not right up front?

CEC TL1X/Chord DAC64

There is no right answer to your question. It seems that everyone has a different opinion regarding what is the best. If you compare the audio magazines, you will also see that they have their favorites. My recommendation is you pick some of the above CD players that are in your price range and go listen (both in the store and then in your home). I own the Meridian 508.20 (recently upgraded to 24 bit) and like it very much. Another good choice is the Arcam 23T CD player. Enjoy and go listen. cheers...

All i have to say is:

Get a semi-cheap cd player that can be used as a transport and get an MSB link DACIII with half nelson upgrade and let me tell you - that setup will FAAAR outperform the likes of the Rega Planet 2000 etc.

I was just visiting a bunch of stores over the past couple of weeks to find a replacement for my RCD 971 (Rotel), but for slightly less than a new REGA Planet, I can get the MSB with the Nelson upgrade. I compared the Planet with a cheapo combi-player (and i mean REALLY cheap) and it completely KILLED the Planet 2000.

If you're looking to bring your source to the next level, I strongly suggest you take a look at this approach.

It is certainly, without a doubt in my mind, the route I will be taking in the very near future.