best cd player to get??

Yes, a dac takes the signal from your cd player (or computer) and improves the digital to analog conversion if the dac is better than the one in the cd player. The cd player must have digital inputs to be used as a dac. A standalone dac does of course have digital inputs but doesn't play cd's if it doesn't have a transport. Many mentioned DO not have digital inputs as the Marantz does. it doesn't matter if you don't want them.

When someone says a cd player or dac of the same or close to same price range slaughters others you should take that with a grain of salt. My experience is there is a difference but not that great of similar priced players. It comes down to the options available that you want and personal preference. A basic guide $1K better than $3-5 hundred, $2K somewhat better than that. $3K and up, usually another level of enhancement and then smaller improvement as you increase in price. Once you reach a certain price (over $5K)you are paying more for build quality and looks than sound improvement. IMO

There's an ARC CD-7 for sale here on the Gon right now, asking $4,295. That's an awesome value.

For regular redbook get a Raysonic CD 128. Or as someone suggested a blow out Rega Apollo. For $1500 get the Rega and a 500-700 dollar DAC. The Rega's make a good transport and you will be set for computer audio.

Esoteric DV 50 is a good one. Sometimes they are had for under $1800. I agree the NAIM is always a good player.

I have used all and much more mentioned here.