Have you hooked up two CD players to your Yamaha and compared them directly with each other using the same song? Play a song or section of a song through one player and then switch to the other making sure that the volume is the same. Don't do this just once, do it several times over the course of a week and note the differences you hear on each listening. An even better way is to get an extra copy of one of your favorite CDs so you can toggle back and forth while the song is playing.
I wouldn't make a judgement on CD player sound if you haven't done a comparison like this. I have 3 CD players, one transport, and two DACs ranging in price from $500 to $8000 and when I compare any two of them head to head I'm surprised how similar they sound to each other. I think you will be chasing a rainbow if you are trying to significantly change the sound of your system by getting a new CD player. One of my players is the Marantz SA8005 and it holds its own with just about anything. If you had an 8005 and didn't like it I'm concerned you will never be happy.
BTW, for many years I ran a pair of Mirage M3si speakers using a Krell KSA 300S amp. I still have them but a few years ago a friend sold me his Thiel CS6 speakers which are a significant improvement but those Mirage's served me well for a long time.
I wouldn't make a judgement on CD player sound if you haven't done a comparison like this. I have 3 CD players, one transport, and two DACs ranging in price from $500 to $8000 and when I compare any two of them head to head I'm surprised how similar they sound to each other. I think you will be chasing a rainbow if you are trying to significantly change the sound of your system by getting a new CD player. One of my players is the Marantz SA8005 and it holds its own with just about anything. If you had an 8005 and didn't like it I'm concerned you will never be happy.
BTW, for many years I ran a pair of Mirage M3si speakers using a Krell KSA 300S amp. I still have them but a few years ago a friend sold me his Thiel CS6 speakers which are a significant improvement but those Mirage's served me well for a long time.