CD Player pairing with Electrocompaniet ECI3

Well... my budget is around $1000-1500. I don't need SACD. I am currently thinking of sticking to Musical Fidelity since I am use to the MuFi sound. I also am considering the Rega Saturn but unsure if its gonna be a big improvement over my current MF V-DAC.

I'm looking for more realism in the presentation of the music. More three dimensional and fleshed out as they say. I prefer musicality over detail to the n-th degree. Maybe thats why I lean towards the Musical Fidelity CDPs. MF CDPs tend to side on musicality rather than presenting tons of detail. I currently also own a A308CDP used in another system in the house which I like a lot. I'm very open to options outside Rega and Musical Fidelity.

I just don't know what else is out there in todays market that might better serve me.

That all sounds like good advice. Yes I agree with the cables for I have lots on hand to swap to get the most of the system. It is all about system synergy and there really isn't anything lacking. I asked the question to see if upgrading my source can further the performance. From what I am hearing... if I'm happy....stick with it and upgrade the system as a whole. I borrowed a friends Electrocompaniet ECM-1UP CDP which I think retails in the $3.5K range expecting to hear a dramatic difference. I was somewhat let down because it didn't live up to my expectations. Part of that is what you guys mentioned... maybe the speakers aren't resolving enough to hear differences even if I did upgrade. It seems like I would have to spend a few orders more to bring significant changes in terms of performance.

Thanks for the responses.

Adding to my comments above.... I did/do hear slight improvements using the EMC-1 and my own MF A308CDP.... sounds appear to be more complete and a tad more solid. I guess if I find a good deal on one of those... I might go for it but otherwise I will follow the recommendations of the responses to wait to upgrade as a whole.

I'll look further into those DACs. The Benchmark and ECD1 have gotten a lot of press and prices starting to dip a little. I guess DACs do in the end offer a little more flexibility plus they are a more cost effective path to upgrading as well.

I did consider the Electrocompaniet ECD1... I found the Electrocompaniet ECM-1UP CDP a little laid back. I figured the ECD1 might have similar sound characteristics. I dont find the Monitor Audio RS1 lacking in any resolving power. Thats why I figured I could upgrade my source. The Benchmark I heard from various reviews is a little dry and a tad analytical. I should just a chance to go audition it myself. I'm looking for that balance like everyone else I guess between detail and musicality. Thanks for all of the recommendations. These are all good starting points...ultimately...I need to audition them all to get a better feel for what I am after.