Universal disc players as CD players.

To me, my Beta WAS better. NOT dramatically so.
The same with DVD-A. But it IS easier to rip surround.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/how-good-is-the-ayre-dx-5-universal-as-a-cd-player

I use an Oppo DV-981HD in a second system at my cabin. It was ok then I realized i had a MyDac sitting around and added that and wow big improvement with just low end DAC. The Oppo is slow and alone it is not that great.

I have an OPPO BDP-205. When playing CDs, I can’t tell the difference between the onboard DAC and the DAC in my Ayre QX-5 20. This is my third Oppo and each has been an upgrade over the previous one. My last dedicated CD player was a Rega Planet 2000 and the BDP-85, which was my first Oppo was better than that Rega, no question (eg my wife said so). 
That said, I almost never use cds anymore, I just rip and stream with Roon as there is no audible difference in my system.

I use a Esoteric DV-50 kind of old but still amazing.