Arcam alpha 7 upgrade/alternatives/useds for 1000

I have an arcam alpha 7 player, considering moving up to the alpha 9 for $1000. Other options are an outboard dac - evs, linkdac, perp. tech, 47 labs, or maybe a used alpha 9 with no warranty, or some other used player for under $1000. And I'm not to worried about the new digital standard, I have so many cds. Is the move to the 9 worth the money? what about some of the dacs I mentioned? My priorities are sweetness, transparency, involvement and great bass (lowest priority).

System:
Purest sound systems passive control or ARC LS3B (interchange)
McCormack dna 0.5
Legacy Protege's
Mit cables

Thanks!

Robert