Best redbook CD playback system for $30k

Best redbook playback I've ever heard is the Meitner. Since you're loking for two channel, go with the DCC2. Then, you just need amps and speakers.

OK, I'll play...
Exemplar mod'ed Denon 2900 universal player ($3.5k)
Placette passive ($1.2k)
Jena Valkyrie 1m rca ic x 2 ($5k-$6k ?)
Stellavox mono's with Goldmund Job 4 ($2.8k)
Supra power cords x 2 ($.5k)
Tonian Lab TLM-1 ($14k...uses raven 1 tweeter and PHY 30HP driver...98db/16 ohm...I had a hard time believing the stellavox was the right amp too until I heard it...I have lots of great SET's that sound really good too with these speakers)
Symposium rack ($2k)

System Total = about $30k retail

I never would have put this system together six months ago but today if this is what I was spending I don't know what else I would put together that would sound as good.

In my system I use the
Meitner DCC2, CDSD front end
Stealth Supra IC
Goldmund 18.4 mono's
In place of their above listed counterparts.

have to agree with the wadia recommendation.
i've never heard the GNS mod, but i've heard good things...
the wadia's seem to have all the right bits, but as a friend comented, need a bit of a shake to get them all in the right place. i'm led to believe that the GNS mods do this.
but personally i would go for VAC amplification.
i went with the entry level VAC and love it. I'm only left wondering how the models further up the range might improve? budget allowing i would experiment higher up the range.
i'd consider going with no pre amp between the wadia and the amps, as it seems to add a little to the bass in my system.
Thiels seem to work very well with VAC gear as Kevin Hayes the designer / owner of VAC uses them to test his gear, hence degree of synergy.
also don't forget the cabling....
at the moment i've been demoing some OMIGA AUDIO cables from an English company of that name. very big bang for the buck IMHO, and Tony is a really nice guy.
http://www.wadia.com/
http://www.greatnorthernsound.com/
http://www.vac-amps.com/
http://www.thielaudio.com/THIEL_Web/Pages/modelintro.html
http://www.omigaaudio.co.uk/

Just want to reinforce the recommendation of Wadia with Great Northern Sound mods (http://www.greatnorthernsound.com). In fact, call Steve Huntley at GNSC and pose this same question. I've had two components moded by him and he really knows his stuff! I know he could point you in the right direction when seeking synergy between amp, preamp(if needed) and CDP.

Just a thought, regarding new vs. used. With 30k, you could put together a used system that would have retailed for close to 50k or better. The idea would be to carefully buy used, here on Audiogon. You could live with each piece for a while, and re-sell here at little or no loss. ( I actaully made a small profit on one or two of my used pieces)

I have used this approach over a 2 year period to slowly upgrade and build up my system.

It is not as fast going out and buying it all new, and it can sometimes be frustrating, but it is more of a "hobby" approach.

My system would retail for around 45K new. It could be had here on audiogon for around 25k or so. It does a very nice job with redbook. My listening tastes are similar to yours, a little of everything with a lot of Jazz and Classical.

Oh, one more idea: you could listen to what others have achieved. For example, if you are in the NJ area, you are welcome to come over and give a listen to my system. Just bring an appropriate beverage! I am sure you would find many here who would be happy to share, its part of the fun.

Cheers,

Ron