Need upgrade from Denon 1520 and better DAC

What are you planning to use the new gear for, spinning CDs only, or CDs plus other digital formats like streaming digital files from a server or computer?  If the former, you could get away with a very good used Redbook CD player, and life would be simple.  If the latter there are a lot of options but no need to list here if unecessary.

 Redbook CD's a few sacd but it must be able to play CDR's as I record records off my Alesis masterlink also.My Denon sounds good with recorded LP's from Alesis but commerical redbook CD's not so much.

SACDs.  You need a universal player/transport in your chain.  I would suggest a used Oppo 105 or 105D.  You don’t need all the video elements, but it has good two-channel DAC.  Can be had for under a grand. All needs in one box.  Another choice is used Arcam CDP or universal player that handle all three formats you suggest. Again, one box solutions, could find for less than $1k

playpen-

look into a Denon CD/SACD player if your enjoy its house sound.
Happy Listening!