You could pick up a used CAL Icon MkII (the standard version) and use it as a transport. If eventually you go for a new one box unit, you will then have a good backup player and/or a source for a second system.
When used as a transport only, I prefer the Icon II over the Delta (fuller bass, but otherwise pretty much the same sound), though the bass may only be due to the heavier chassis.
The Theta Universal and the Pearl are tempting @ the top or slightly over your budget, but I have read that their drives can no longer be replaced/repaired.
I think that some of the old CAL EE's may still do repairs, but they would have to charge a lot less than CAL did towards the end. I inquired about the HDCD/Boss upgrade on my unit and for the price quoted I could have purchased a slightly used HDCD model for the same $ amount.
Also, what are the symtoms on the Delta as it may be something that you can repair yourself? I never took apart the Delta (as it was on loan), but the Icon looks fairly easy to work on.
When used as a transport only, I prefer the Icon II over the Delta (fuller bass, but otherwise pretty much the same sound), though the bass may only be due to the heavier chassis.
The Theta Universal and the Pearl are tempting @ the top or slightly over your budget, but I have read that their drives can no longer be replaced/repaired.
I think that some of the old CAL EE's may still do repairs, but they would have to charge a lot less than CAL did towards the end. I inquired about the HDCD/Boss upgrade on my unit and for the price quoted I could have purchased a slightly used HDCD model for the same $ amount.
Also, what are the symtoms on the Delta as it may be something that you can repair yourself? I never took apart the Delta (as it was on loan), but the Icon looks fairly easy to work on.