What makes a Cd player a Great cd player

Sorry....Maybe I didn't asked the question correctly.

Isnt there scuttlebut out there that the CD is on its way out and our future will be compressed download dreck?

What is downstream (speakers, amps) must be transparent enough to let what's upstream (source) through, else you'll never be able to hear a valid difference.

So, work downstream first - you'll get the biggest bang for the buck.

Later, higher-end source components, will give you increased and more accurate detail while decreasing the harshness associated with digital -- closer and closer to "natural" uncolored sound as you and your peers "hear" it.

06-01-10: Ddan6815
If I was to spend 2 to 3k on a cd player, will it even come close to the sound of Vinyl, or will I get the realism that I get from vinyl.

No.

Now, let me ask the question again, and see if I can get the answer, I was looking for. I love the sound of Vinyl over cds,. If I was to spend 2 to 3k on a cd player, will it even come close to the sound of Vinyl, or will I get the realism that I get from vinyl.

That is how I judge a good cd player. When I bought my current cdp five years ago I found what I preferred to my vinyl set up. I sold my vinyl when I realized it was just going to take up space in my home.
Since that time I have owned more than a dozen cdps priced from $1k to $3k and they all have come up short. That is my take on a great cd player. Good luck.