My Rotel RCD 971 is done for. CD's come second to LPs. I do want a good one. I turn to the forum for your help in my search. Lets say $3000.00 max.
Set of Synergistic Research PHTs $199 https://highend-electronics.com/products/synergistic-research-pht-phono-transducer
Set of ECTs $295
With $2500 left over for Hot Stampers. https://www.better-records.com/search_adv.aspx?option=s_name&min_price=1&max_price=&manu...
Done!
(Well you did say CDs come second to LPs.)