Digital front-end that bests a Sony VSE Level 6?

Hi all,

I have caught the upgrade bug again. My current CDP is a Sony 9000es upgraded to Vacuum State Level 6 last spring. It is a very nice sounding unit. Not having heard other units (I have around $1450 into this one including mods) is there anything that can even come close for under $3,000 (new or used)?

I did see a Sony 777es w/Level 6 balanced mods over in the classified. Of course, I don't have a balanced pre or amp.... but could always upgrade in the future. I haven't heard anything else that nice in my system, but just wanted to see if there was something that would be an upgrade w/o breaking the bank.

FWIW, amp is McCormack DNA-125 gold, pre is Herron VTSP1a/166, and speakers are Tyler Linbrook Signatures. I like jazz and classical.