What is the best redbook CD player for 6K to 8K?

If you bought a new cdp would you consider keeping it for quit some time? Or would you sell it and take a loss like anything else that is new? If you buy used and get a good deal you can turn around and sell it for what you paid for it. This way you can test the waters with different players if you want. It is a buyers market right now during the summer months so if you want go and pound on those retailers. I still vote for used and upgraded.

RWG,keep an opened mind to the modded players, they make mince meat out of the stock players.If you liked anything stock in the Esoteric line then I suggest you try and find a Theta Compli and send it to Schulte at the Upgrade Company or call Alex at APL. If you do not want modifications then I second Mikes opinion on a used Linn CD-12.

All I know is that my Marantz SA12 and Denon 2900 after upgrades plays equal to or better in some regards than the UX-1. The Upgraded Theta Compli and the APL 3910 with the AKM DAC's and tube output stage would be in a completely different league. Only a retailer would be making claims that a stock unit could compare. Get above 20k which would be mostly separates and those stock players would give these a run for there money. Basically at this point it would be down to tastes. One person who has the Theta also owned the UX-1 with the G-25u. He sold those because the Theta was better. Maybe he will chime in someday. The modded units really give you more of everything! Definitely the open 3d image.

Yes I believe modded players have evolved especially in the last year. Now you can start comparing apples to apples. Even reviewers get there equipment modified. Esoteric, Reimyo, and Linn gear just to name a few. You will see more and more of these modded players at CES and the like for years to come.

Jc51373, which Ayre player did you have when comparing your Mac combo to it? What differences were there in the two units?

Redwoodgarden, is your head spinning now? It is safe to own most modded players these days and you can get a lot of bang for your buck.

Mrtennis, that is exaclty what Dbld is talking about. He had to hear it to believe it himself.