Upgrading Rotel RCD-1072


I'm looking into upgrading my CDP in the near future and am looking for some opinions/advice. I'm looking in the 1 - 1.5K range, used. My speaker/amp combo is Merlin TSM-MMe and Cary SLI-80 F1 all triode.

I listen to basically everything under the sun with the exception of Country music. Mostly acoustic jazz, singer/songwriter, and prog rock. I'm mainly looking for musicality so no need for dry, over analytical players.

I am looking at a Rega or a Cary CDP but am open to more suggestions. Also, would the difference in sound be substantial or more subtle? Thanks in advance!
nicodemix
I have a Cary CDP-1 that I like a lot.It's basically the solid state section of the 303/300.It has lots of nice features you can check out on the Cary website.I use mine with a Rogue Audio Tempest II Magnum tube integrated.I don't see how you could go wrong using any Cary cdplayer with your SLI-80.Good luck.
I upgraded from a Rotel 1072 to a Musical Fidelity A5. There was a small improvement in the soundstage.
Have you considered buying a dac for the Rotel? Might be a better bang for the buck...
I have definitely considered purchasing a DAC and using the Rotel as a transport. I am just not sure if that is the best idea.

I am all ears. I just do not want to spend a lot of money on something that will only have a very subtle difference in sound. I can stretch my budget to 2K but need to have the sonic difference worth the money spent.