Help picking a CD player

In addition to Creek, Audiolab and Rotel CD players already mentioned, I suggest you consider the Arcam CD5 and the Pro-Ject CD DS2 (transport only) and CD DS3 (transport plus DAC).  All should under or close to your buget.

OPPO with XLR sockets. Absolutely the best. 

@pippi have you listened to any of the CD players on your list?  If so, any standout machine?  My suggestion is almost always a new machine, but of course, if some clean low-hour used player comes along.  I won't recommend one because who knows what might come up on the used market.  I will say this about Craigslist, Chicago;  lately it has become terrible with people thinking their junk is worth its weight in gold, and when that great deal does come along, it's usually nabbed by some flipper who puts it back up there later at a higher price, and it stays there for months.

My heart wants the April Music one, as it looks so nice, has great reviews and was the most expensive when new. My brain says get the new SMSL, as it has the latest technology and I can try it out with my system and easily return it if it’s not to my liking. It’s also the least expensive. The new technology calls me - it’s why I changed my amp from a 50+ year old McIntosh for a new Micromega.

a new suggestion is to get a new blu ray player with optical output, and then I can use it for more than just CDs. Thoughts and suggestions encouraged!

@pippi it's never a bad idea to follow your heart. If nothing else, you won't have those nagging what-if thoughts :)