Upgrade CDP or DAC : need $2500 suggestions

I currently have a Sony DVP-9000se with Vacuum State Electonics Level 6 upgrades. The unit very sounds good for what I have into it (around $1400). I am now looking to take the next step up. Balanced is OK, which this unit doesn't have. I was thinking of possibly a used Modwright, or some other name-brand player (it doesn't have to be an upgraded unit). Budget is based on a used price.

Amp/preamp are SMC modded McCormack DNA-125 (gold) and ALD-1 (again, gold revision). These are highly musical and full for SS units and up there with the best. Looking to go fairly neutral with my CDP or DAC; not unlike hte VSE Sony, but whatever the next step would logically be.