I'm taking votes

Thsalmon: The CD12 is an excellent player. Personally I like the Audio Aero Capitole MK II (which I sell) a bit better, but they are fairly close.

I would recomend not spending the money on the CD12 as digital IS changing fairly quickly. The next generation of SACD players should be out very shortly and the last thing I would want is the possibility of owning an obsolete $20k CD player. Sorry Mike. :(

If you consider the Audio Aero Capitole, it also gives you the ability to run direct without your preamp. It is great for most people, but since you run multiple sources, it may not be the benefit it is to most. Hmmm.

I would say either:

1. Audio Aero Capitole MK II and an Anaconda vX or Elrod EPS 2 Sig power cord and pocket the rest of the money.

2. Wait to see what happens with Linn's new universal player.

3. Upgrade the speakers if you feel they lack in any way.
The WB Chimeras are a definite improvement over the ACT 1's, but you may want to try and listen to the Kharma 3.2 Reference Monitors. They are amazing!

Good Luck and your system in not bad as it sits. :)

I would agree in not spending big bucks on a CD player.The Audio Note Transport and Dac is truly amazing as is the Audio Aero for much less what a cd 12 cost.As for speakers the Kharmas are better than the Wilson Benesch(my opinion) and also you should look at the Lumenwhites which are also an amazing product.With digital always getting more and more refined,throwing big bucks into a CD player,would probably be spent more wisely into speakers.

Could be heartbreaking when you find out that your LP12 beats out your $20k CD12. And I think your speakers are good ones also. I would recommend getting a new Shelter 901 cartridge to replace the aging Troika, and spend the other $18500 on mint condition record albums, which will always be valuable collectors items, as well as wonderful music. CD's will be in the Goodwill bin next to the 8-Track tapes, when the next digital format finally takes hold. Older LP's are even now, skyrocketing in value, and will continue to do so. With analog, the LP's gain in value, and better TT's hold value well. With digital, both software and hardware plummet with each new advancement in technology.

Gear comes & goes, but MUSIC stays. So I partly second the motion to buy music (preferably LP). However, as you'd like to influence the SOUND too, and given YOUR system, look into speakers first. You want fast speakers, neutral with an articulate bottom end. To better the WB, a speaker with slightly different drivers & design philosophy could do the trick; Kharma, big Piega, Acapella, are only some such offerings... I don't recommend stats because I never successfully matched the older Klouts with stats -- your amps may be different.

This way, you'll renew the sound and also have new music to listen to!
Later, if the digital f-end is still a question-mark (assuming you're happy w/ the LP12 set-up), hit the market... Linn universal, Lindemann, AA, Accuphase, etc, will be beckoning you.

I'd say change the Cd elements but try the Linn or give it extensive listening before sinking 20K in digital playback. Perhaps you can see great improvements looking elsewhere for a combined 20K in speakers and digital. Sounds like more fun in the hunt in this case.