If you're really looking for the best CDP under $1500, then the 840c is a must listen. IMHO, it will give you features (digital in/out, upsampling, balanced out), detail and dynamics that you just don't find much in this price range. Of course, your mileage may vary so if you can, get one on eval and compare it to others.
There have been tons of threads here on A'gon and on AudioAsylum about the 840c but don't recall and can't find any comparisons with the SA 8001.
There have been tons of threads here on A'gon and on AudioAsylum about the 840c but don't recall and can't find any comparisons with the SA 8001.