CAL Icon MKII - with or with out the Power Boss upgrade. Either can be found used within your budget. Digital out on your CD player? Look into the tubed CAL Sigma II processor. Also on the site for your budget! I have a CAL Icon MKII and will probably never sell it ... it's that good for the money.
CDP suggestions for bright system?
I'm in the process of upgrading with the cdp as the first priority. Presently, I have an Acurus DIA-100, old Denon DCD-620, old Energy 5.1e's, and DH-Labs cables. It sounds a little bright. I'm looking for a cdp that will smooth out the sound some in the sub~$500 used market. Any suggestions? I've thought about some of the cdp's with the tube output stages, but I'm not sure if that would help or not? Thanks in advance.