A belt drive transport is an interesting choice, I know a couple of people who swear by them and the two I've heard (both made by CEC) were very musical. My own player falls at the top of your range: the Shanling CD-T100, but when you listen to it make sure the unit is well broken-in. This player sounds its best after at least 200 hours (and WE 396A tubes instead of the Chinese stock).
And I gree with Tonnesen. You have to let your ears choose. May I suggest an approach (and I apologize if you already use it)? When you listen, I feel it's important to relax and switch over to the left side of the brain. Let the analytical functions have a rest and let feeling take over while you listen. Try not to compare as you do this. I like to make a few brief notes so as not to forget what I hear, and I use these later to help me compare.
And I gree with Tonnesen. You have to let your ears choose. May I suggest an approach (and I apologize if you already use it)? When you listen, I feel it's important to relax and switch over to the left side of the brain. Let the analytical functions have a rest and let feeling take over while you listen. Try not to compare as you do this. I like to make a few brief notes so as not to forget what I hear, and I use these later to help me compare.