If cost is a major factor search for a used North Star-Sapphire. Your comments have me believe you want to stay away from a soft-hazy/lazy type of CDP. The Sapphire has excellent deep tight bass control, fast dynamics and enough detail without giving up musicality. It's not the most open and airy player out there and the transport(tray)should operate a little smoother but these are minor flaws for a $1k or < CDP!
looking for a new cd player........
I Currently have and love the rotel sound (975) I brought a nad 545bee then the nad 565bee for my wife's system, not bad. we currently have the cj pv 10 with the cj 2300a and alon II's speakers and I have the pv 12, 2500a, and alon IV's.... im looking for something with good tight bass control, sound stage, dynamics and detail. had a Cambridge cd player, but got rid of it,to mechanical...havnt really heard anything in a while. nothing to expensive. what ever you can suggest would be fine, thank you...