Hi: I'm biased toward the Jolida since I own one with the Level 1 mod (Parts Connexion). I use a Flavor 4 PC and Tungsol tubes- Herbies halo tube dampers. With this the Jolida is excellent. (after all that it should be!) I've also owned a $3k player here (Simaudio Nova) that was also excellent but could not displace the Jolida; of course, comparing a "detail" Player like the Nova to the "smooth operator" Jolida is like comparing apples to oranges. That being said I have a new Sony 999ES sitting here waiting to be shipped to Modwright. I'm just waiting until my McIntosh MA6900 sells and then I ship the Sony to be modded. Practically everything I've read and heard about the Modwright Sony 999ES has been incredible. I can't wait until I can get the mod completed. You have a lot of excellent choices on your list; though I can't yet speak from experience, I would say you should also consider the Modwright Sony 999ES. From all reports it's a huge bang for your buck and will compete with higher dollar players in redbook perfomance. I got a new unit on the internet for a little over $500 shipping included. The mods at Modwright are not that expensive depending on which one you get. Dan Wright's reputation in the audiophile community is stellar. So consider the Jolida or step up to the Modwright Sony or not. By the way, any post like yours is going to elicit plenty of various opinions from everyone. Your ears will be the final arbiter of what you ultimately choose. Also, I've never used separates before so I can't comment on what you currently have. Good luck.
