xa5400es, emm labs, Meridian for classical piano.

I have both the Sony 5400ES and the Oppo 95. I modified them using Dan Wright of Modrights tube mods. I also had the Playback Designs cd player that retails for 15,000.00. The Sony and Oppo both sound way better than the Playback. Overall I prefer the Oppo 95.

Had PD, 5400 (regular & modwright), Accuphase 75V, and EMM is the best for me, so I'm settled with EMM now (permanently I believe). EMM has the most reach and the most transparent, controlled, satisfying bass for me. (I even auditioned the Burmester and still liked EMM better.)

Never tried the others but the Meridian 808.2 and beyond kicks serious a**!

Rgs92 I hope the EMM has more body in the midrange than the PD if not its not for me.

If cost is not important, just buy the 5400 and arrange auditions with dealers for the Meridian and EMM so you can listen to them in your own system. You won't lose much on the 5400 in resale, and can determine which of the three suits you best. I have the 5400 and listen to a lot of jazz piano. It's very good. haven't heard the EMM or Meridian, but would be shocked if you didn't find either of them, or the PD, was better than the 5400. If I were spending almost $20,000 on a digital source, I would insist on hearing it in my system before writing a check. Forums and reviews are great, and you'll learn a lot about other people's preferences, but you really need to hear them yourself in your own system if you're going to spend significant coin.