I would put a LINN Akurate DS playing 24/96 or 24/192 FLAC/WAV files against ANY CD player under $20k. Eliminate the CD itself and you eliminate a lot of the noise/jitter.
Improvement in CD player transports
Have transports improved over the years the way DACs have? I have a Cary Audio Xciter DAC and have an Acurus CD player and a Music Hall CD 25.2. Not sure which to use as the transport. The Acurus is built like a tank and has the air constrained dampening, but the Music Hall is a lot more current component. Opinions are welcome. Rest of my system is on Audiogon. Upgraded to MartinLogan Electromotions and the PrimaLuna Dialogue 2 since it was posted. Thank you.