Which are the top DVD-A players?

If you're going to rule out universal players,you are pretty much left with the Meridian, which costs a fortune. The Esoteric DV-50 universal player has very good CD performance, but can be beaten by a number of more costly units; has excellent SACD performance, but my SACD player, which costs much more, beats it; but its DVD-A side is absolutely extraordinary. I don't know where you can hear better right now, except for the Meridian.

Meridian is the leading company with the 598 and new G series coming out . The company has their propritary " smart link " that keeps the signal in the digital domain. They are also of course the creators of the MLP format. Mated with one of their processors like the Meridian 861 v 3 series and you have the finest dvd-a currently has to offer.

There are other options, check out Muse Model 10, Model 9 Signature, and Thalia. All are reported to be excellent with redbook CD and DVD-A. Links below.

http://www.museelectronics.com/thalia.html

http://www.museelectronics.com/new.html

How about the new Arcam DV27A? I have not heard this player firsthand, but I have owned their FMJ CD23 (Ring-DAC) cd-player for almost two years now and have been VERY satisfied with it. If their new DVD-A player sounds anywhere near as good on DVD-A as the CD23 does on redbook, it should be AWESOME. I've been considering upgrading my older non-progressive-scan Sony DVD carousel with a new progressive scan universal/or DVD-A machine and the Arcam will definately be on my short-list to audition. Although in my case I would utilize the improvement in DVD video perfomance much more than the DVD-A since I do not plan on replacing my 1,000+ cd's just yet.. that's why I bought the CD23 and I'm not looking back - no regrets!

Denon DVD-9000 should be included, no? Also the Toshiba 9200, even even both units are rather old at this point. Also consider some of the Arcam units someone else mentioned.