hello there! trust all is well & all are enjoying their music very much!

finally managed to save up a bit, would like to know your expert opinions on what CD player I should consider... or transport & DAC separates.
I would prefer a vacuum tube CD player; never really liked the solid states, other than a Wadia or Meridian, but at the time didn't have a budget to afford either, but now I do!

My budget is $6000 (6 grand in AUS$) Australian dollars.
I was looking at the following as my preferred list:
1. Conrad Johnson (yet to launch, new model on the way...)
2. Cary CD 300t
3. Audio Research
4. MacIntosh
5. Cayin CD 17T
6. BAT
7. Wadia or Meridian

now onto You - any suggestions out there? would be appreciative if you could tell me specifics based on YOUR experience and not something read off a magazine please... I can do that myself!

there are too many people here that think they know it all, when they haven't even heard the dam thing themselves!

I am looking for that respectable person who has had first hand experience with a very good CD player, one that has tubes, and one that they would recomment highly. The list I had mentioned above I have listened to them all, and had all of them in my very own c-j maggie setup back in my home country, so therefore I know their sonic character. I eventually settled for a glorious c-j DV2B cd player, which c-j no longer makes, and had to sell it off when I moved over to melbourne. this is now starting from scratch, and the cd player I am currently using is a Cayin CD50T, wonderful player for the money. Obviously does not compete in the same league as the rest of my electronics: c-j ACT2 preamp, c-j MV60se power amp, and Quad ESL 2905 electrostats.

would be interested to hear your advice...
many thanks and have a good all! cheers, Raj J