The best no-compromise digital options?

The owner of the APL(Alex Peychev)is a crook who's been MIA with money from customer's. Avoid.

Rhagen, have you heard all of the players on your list, or are they selected
based only on their high cost, thus presuming they are the best in their
categories?

Frankly, I don't believe there is a best of anything. There are only excellent
versions of different flavors.

Many are starting to compare the Modwright Transporter to SOTA digital disc
players, and some are preferring the $3500 Transporter (Srajan is one who
has compared it to the APL NWO-3.0 GO SE).

So, the target is always moving, and the "best" does not
necessarily correlate with a high price. IMO.

I completely agree with Tvad.

System "synergy" is the key to a good system. I have listened to some of the players you listed, and I would choose a good Linn, Naim or 47 Labs player over them.

The Zanden is very nice, if you have the system to let it's "character" shine.

The dCS and Esoteric are very detailed. Some (like me) would say "analytical".

I would recommend you look at a computer based system as well. A Apple Mac with a nice DAC (like the Wavelength) will give most "upscale" players a run for the money. Make sure to get a SSD drive. They make a difference.

Look what I did! I used words to describe sound. Help! ;)

The best I have heard is dcs Puccini and Weiss Medea.