Best CD player money can buy ? MBL, Nagra, Naim?

You can also include Metronome Technologie CD4 or T2i signature in this price range : they seemed to be better than EMM combo on DC's, sound like vinyl, and are not tubey like Audioaro can be !

DCS is "digital sounding" if you don't buy the full verdi + verrona + elgar plus

Esoteric is to analytical, and not enough musical - for me

Try to listen to MBL 1621/1611 or the smaller 1521/1511 combos. Personally I think that's all one can ask for, but that's me. I've never heard anything as natural as the 1621/1611 combo, it's almost scary sometimes.

I am really happy with the Reimyo 777, pretty close to my analog rig.

Reimyo cdp 777 the (realy) best ever made, 10 levels better in my system then my last cd player the Krell 25sc.

I've heard a number of very good players, though not in side-by-side comparisons. I know it is not a one-box player, but the Audionote (uk) DAC-5 Signature combined with a good transport is a definite contender --beautifully musical, relaxed and natural, without being sluggish or inarticulate.

I've heard the Reimyo and really like its delicate, open and airy top end. If it has any fault, it would be that it lacks a bit of weight and impression of a completely solid image (the same impression I get with some SACDs).

The Naim CDP555 provides the kind of solid, grounded feel to the image that I like. Vocalists and solo instruments sound real and present -- grounded in a specific point in space both side-to-side and fore and aft. I have the opportunity to get this player as a relatively cheap upgrade to the CDS3 I own, so I am doing just that. However, I should say that it really offers a relatively subtle improvement to the sound of a CDS3. The CDS3, while not a "bargain," is, to me, quite an improvement over the rest of the Naim line -- so much less mechanical sounding.

Good luck in your search.