I have the MF A5 and while I rate it extremely highly, it might not satisfy your preferences. Specifically, whilst it is a very neutral player, it is also quite analytical and I would even suggest a bit forward. For a one box player, I would take a look at the Primare CD31 (I see one is listed on A'gon for under $1300.00). When my brother was auditioning new CD players 12 months ago, this one bested similar priced models from Arcam, Creek, Cambridge and Marantz (and a couple of others I can't remember) and he was looking for the same sound signature you've described.
FWIW, my personal choice would be to get an Audio Note DAC (or perhaps another NOS DAC) and use this with a basic transport. Flexibility for the future in case you move to a computer/server based system, and a tremendously musical experience. You could probably get the Dac 2.1 for under $2k.
FWIW, my personal choice would be to get an Audio Note DAC (or perhaps another NOS DAC) and use this with a basic transport. Flexibility for the future in case you move to a computer/server based system, and a tremendously musical experience. You could probably get the Dac 2.1 for under $2k.