Good, Inexpensive CD w. Volume control?

I don't believe any of the inexpensive units have balanced outs.I owned the Denon 1650 Ar CD.Great bass,but not enough "Air" for me. The sony units are probably your best bet,or possibly a dac.Some have the volume control also.Don't overlook the Sony outlet stores.
Tracer

Try to find a Resolution Audio CD50 - great player with volumn control and balanced outs (true balanced circuitry) but probably closer to $1500 used ($3000 new).

Without a doubt Resolution Audio CD 50 but you'll have to up the budget to around $1500 if you can find one. It replaced a Levinson 39 in my system