I agree, there are many great players and I doubt you can definitively proclaim a clear winner. That won't stop me from nominating my player though!
For a little over $1K, I think the Simaudio CD.5 is excellent, and I've chosen this over a few others (Rega Apollo, Apollo 35th, Exposure 2010s2, a few universal players). Clear and detailed, with plenty of PRaT, but also smooth and grain free. It's hard to find fault with the presentation, but of course you need to find the right match when it comes to amps and speakers. Even the best player on the market will not sound like it if the match is poor.
For a little over $1K, I think the Simaudio CD.5 is excellent, and I've chosen this over a few others (Rega Apollo, Apollo 35th, Exposure 2010s2, a few universal players). Clear and detailed, with plenty of PRaT, but also smooth and grain free. It's hard to find fault with the presentation, but of course you need to find the right match when it comes to amps and speakers. Even the best player on the market will not sound like it if the match is poor.