What are the best CD Player around $3500?

The only one I've heard that you listed is the Ayre and I was very impressed with it. Used you might look at the SimAudio Eclipse and the McCormack UDP-1, both used.

your list is a good one....add mcintosh,talk,revox,marantz if you want to expand your list. the synergy between two mac pieces is always a plus.

I have the Ayre CX-7e, just got the upgrade a few months ago. The detail, soundstage and imaging are incredible. I "hear" things in CDs that were not there before! Can't say that I compared it to your other choices but did compare it to an Opus-21. The Opus had a bit more detail but not enough to justify the higher price. And that was the "non-Evolution" CX-7. Not sure if it would better it now, probably not. Good luck with your search. Much of the pleasure is in the hunt!

The Resolution Audio Opus 21, at your exact price point.

It is one of the better CDPs around.

I personally have only heard one CDP I liked better and it was the Audio Aero Capitole II, and at $9500, I had better have liked it better!

Good Luck in your search!

I just broke-in my Cary 303/300 and I love it, even with the stock tubes. Art Dudley's review will appear in October's Stereophile. Not familiar with the others, though.
Jay