Marantz - SA-15S2B or Yamaha CD-S2000 or iPod

If you get an iPod, you will need a dac designed to go with it like the Wadia. I had a Marantz 8003 and never liked it. I think the Marantz SA15S2 is your best bet. Its more refined than the 8004. I never cared for the Yamaha house sound at all.

Will you only consider the 2 amps you list? After reading your post, it looks to me like you are not aware of how good your Model 2's are. There's nothing wrong with either integrated, but they won't even come close to getting the best out of your speakers. I have a pair myself that I use in my main system, and know how to match components and set them up for best results.

Zd542, I understand and share your concern. It looks to me you are not aware how good the vintage JVC A-X77 is. It sent back Anthem 225, Luxman E250 and a smaller Plinius 9100 home. But I am open for suggestions, albeit right now I am looking for decent CD player under $2k, or an equivalent iPod + madness setup. I trust my ears, love music and for a therapy I do not need equipment race. Of course, I have auditioned many an amp that sounded 'better' than this one, but I cannot afford those at the moment. It would take more than a couple of Gs to better it. So, I decided to take care of the source first.
Right now, the question for me now: in their standard, unmodified form, what would be a better player for me. And I realize I need to decide this for myself, but ask you on the off-chance someone [with similar musical taste] already went through comparisons could chime in

If you sent those three amps packing, then you must really like the sound of the JVC as they are of some repute. Good for you for following your ears.

I was in the same boat (kinda) as you and went and got the Marantz SA-15S2b.
Trust me on this one, it's a keeper. If you can try it out and send it back if you don't like it, believe me, it will be worth the effort. Let in break in before you decide (you've got 30 days).

Also, it raised the level of my CD collection considerably. I only have a few SACDs and since they're hit and miss and costly, don't worry if you don't amass a large SACD collection: that would be missing the point of the Marantz.

All the best,
Nonoise

Sorry, I read your post wrong. I thought you were asking about a new amp and that your friend was lending you a CD player. After reading your post again, I have no idea how I came up with that in the first place.

Of the players you list, I would choose the Marantz. Some other players I've had on my 2's that sounded very good and are in your price range are - Rotel 1072, Arcam 33, Ayre 7. As far as the iPod goes, I can't imagine it sounding better than any of the CD players listed here. Your speakers definitely have the resolution to easily pick out any differences between them.