Good entry level transport?


I'd like to hear everyone's recommendations on a good entry level (let's say $1000 or less) transport. Just as food for thought I see quite a few Thetas kicking around in this category.
128x128dtwomey
As I approach the $1000 USD mark I'm starting to consider the new Sony DVPS9000ES. In theory it would give me a good transport, a progressive scan DVD player, and a SACD player all-in-one. A tough to beat value?
Without a doubt a tough value to beat - you'd be getting an excellent CD transport just as part of the deal. I don't know if that player will pass a 24/96 signal, though, which would be a modest, but real, concern in my book.