Tube cdp with ss units...

I’d argue that your source should provide an accurate and reliable representation of the information on the disc -- at least that's my opinion. Some tube CD players, such as the Jolida JD100, use solid state op-amps for the analog output sections, then they add a couple of tubes as a "buffer" stage, in effect using tubes as a tone control.

That said, CD players do sound different (duh!), and some are warmer than others. On the warm and musical side are the new Naim CD5i-2 (the new version, not the original CD5i, which is sharper and brighter), the Rega Apollo or Saturn, and, less expensively, various Arcam models such as the CD73T (full disclosure—I have an Arcam for sale on Audiogon).

Cjack notes that the Jolida "JD-100 does not use op amps." I could swear I'd read that it does, but at my age memory is less than reliable, so I stand corrected. No intent to misinform.

Mnnc, you ask, "What about Rega?" You don't specify a budget, but if you have to save up for a Jolida JD-100, then a used Rega Apollo will be a stretch for you. However, you could afford a used original Rega Planet -- which I happen to be listening to as I type this post. It's the player in my office system, and it's on the warm side, and while it may not be the most accurate player on the market, it rarely offends. I like it better than the later Planet 2000. The original Planet comes up used on Audiogon pretty often for about $350-400 but the trick is to get a model that's still in good shape, as the Planet has been around for a good many years.