recommendations for CD player

[E-Stat]

... would like to know your expert opinions on what CD player I should consider... or transport & DAC separates.

If you have a large SACD library, then you pretty much are forced to buy a combo player. If, on the other hand, most of your content is Redbook CD, then I would suggest separates. I purchased what will be my last CD player ten years ago. Server based sources are so much more flexible and there are interfaces which can provide equivalent performance to traditional transports. Clearly, that is the way the market is evolving. My vintage system uses Manley DAC (with a tube analog output stage) driven by a Squeezebox Touch fed by an i7-860 server. While that is not exactly the quality you seek, the flexibility has convinced me that when I replace the GamuT player upstairs, I will go a similar server based route.

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!

Ever hear a Meitner product? I've heard several EMM Labs products at Sea Cliff ranging from the basic player to the six channel multichannel separates to the superlative XDS1 player. While the XDS1 runs a cool $25k, Ed Meitner has a new company with his debut product being a $7000 DAC. I'm thinking that will be a great contender at the price point.

rw