I recently bought the Marantz after owning a SONY SCD-1. The Marantz is in a different league. If you get to listen to one make sure it is well broken in as the sound changes quite dramatically after the first two weeks of use. It really is a first class component. Talk to PhillyB he has owned all three you are asking about and he currently owns the Marantz. He has very good knowledge of all three. Good luck!
