O.K., downloads, streaming and more....but I still like many of my CD and SACD disks


Yes I am old, but like many things, I would still rather have a 250 GTO Ferrari than most any newer.  So, what is this old f___ talking about?  I would like to buy what could be my last CD/SACD player...or worst case, just CD player.  What are some of the best sounding, not looking or able to wash my car, just play my current CD and SACD collection with superb sound quality/fidelity.  The other choice I could do is the best sounding Redbook player and keep my current one for the SACD disks I own.  All for as much under 2K as possible. 

Also the original Ford GT40 or (if you can get Mr. Hall to part with one) a Chaparral 2C or 2D.   Hey, is that asking for too much?  As a noted person used to say..."well excuuuuuuse me".


whatjd
+1 on @georgehifi suggestion. Separate transport and DAC.

I have a lot of CD's and l like putting one on and settling in to it. I have a streamer, too, but sometimes I switch from one thing to another too much and the CD experience is just, well, mellow and focused.

As to technology, I decided I wanted to go separates for the following reasons: 

A separate transport will be be built well — there's no split of cost with an internal DAC. Plus, it's hard to know how good the DAC is, unless the unit is very expensive. And DACs change.

I decided that I would probably not listen to CD's forever, so I capped my expenditures on CD transports at about $500. In that field, largely via forum advice and reviews, I narrowed down to two transports: Cambridge CXC and Audiolab 6000. There is a v.2 of the Cambridge, but by going with the first model, I saved about $100. I like it very much.

So, DAC's. There are many options, as stated. I knew I wanted to try an R2R tube DAC and went with an MHDT Orchid for about $1100. Again, there are many options, and much less or more could be spent and I suspect there would still be good quality, either way.  
if if the OP has a functioning CDP with digital outs that he can use as a transport I would put the budget in a good DAC.  2K will buy something really excellent from Benchmark, Mytek, and others.  
DAC all the way. CDPs are dying while DACs are flourishing. Frankly I’d consider something like an Innuos Zen Mini Mklll that you could easily load (i.e. load the disc into its slot and it stores it internally — done) all your discs into and play any of your music in any order from the comfort of your chair. Add a better DAC and you’re set. Keep your SACD player around for those I guess. Best of luck.
FWIW, I just bought a Orchid. I was so impressed with the SQ I connected my Oppo 105 to it. Big upgrade in sound on Redbook. 
whatjd

there has never been a better time to purchase a CD/SACD player. $2K is an excellent budget w/ plenty of product in the marketplace.
Keep us posted on your purchase decision.

Happy Listening!