A headache of choice over CD player


For a budget of between US$5,000 and 7,000, what would you choose of these options - Wadia 381, McIntosh MCD500, Ayre C-5xeMP and Esoteric X-03? Any other suggestions?

I play CDs 99% of the time, not SACD. Just two-channel.

I currently use a Bluenote Stibbert 2007 (improved) and am looking to it step up. I like a big, bold, punchy and transparent sound (if that's not asking for too much!).

I use a McIntosh C220 pre and MC402 power amp, driving Magnepan 1.6 speakers. All cabling, balanced, is MIT CVT Terminator 2.

I'm getting the Wadia home for a demo next week, and can also arrange for the Ayre. The Esoteric will be avaible for home demo next month. But not the McIntosh, which I have to buy "blind", although Mac owners assure me it is the right choice ... :)
bassraptor
If you don't care about SACD the Audio Research cd reference 8 or 7 for that matter ...

Chuck
Try to demo a Cary 306 Pro it has a very robust CD playback.
And, it also play SACD's fanatastic
Follow through with the auditions and then decide for yourself.

Personally, at this point in time, I'd be hesitant to pay retail for a CD player unless you absolutely must have the factory warranty for peace of mind. Both the Ayre and Esoteric players come up fairly often in the listings.