Old guy needs recommendation request for old CD players / DAC

it has been a long while since i have searched for a new integrated cd player -- i have modwright’s modded units with tube output stage and outboard ps with tube rectification (actually two of them - one a marantz 8005 and the other a sony dvd 5400), then i have an even older scd-777es with warren gregoire’s vsei level 5 mods

they were the most musical and beautiful sounding cdp’s back then, and i feel pretty confident they remain unsurpassed presently for their musicality in the under five figures price range (i had esoterics, pioneer elite, meridian 508-24 etc etc ... the modwrights and sony were superior...)

+1  warren gregoire’s vsei level 5 mods

i use my old Oppo 103 as a transport via coax  into a Denafrips Ares 2 DAC.  great. Denafrips now has a dealer in Thailand.

If you get a robust transport like the Meridian 200, with Phillips mechanism, you will  find it very reliable and sounds great. The Meridian 263 delta sigma DAC also sounds good, but you can experiment with new DAC's to find the sound that suits your taste.

I have the above combo that I purchased in 1995 and used for over 25 years, until I upgraded to a higher level audio system. I have kept my Meridian 200 / 263 in case of need.

Hope this experienced reply helps?

ATB,

BP 

Anyone have an opinion on my

calif audio lab ikon mark Ii  CDplayer with BOSS up grade?

should I keep it?