Sony SCD-XA5400ES by far...nothing will come close except for the Oppo players but you have to mess with all the features of universal player...tv, firmware, slow operation...
BAT VK D5: Old technology from the 90's
AR CD3: A bit obsolete too, only 90db of channel separation
Wadia 302: Obsolete too
AMR cd-777: Nice player, but not sure if you will find it below $2500...