Good one-box CDP or good DAC?

It really depends on the type of music you listen to and your personal preferences. I recently settled on a used Linn Ikemi for the price you mention. Fortunately, I was able to compare it on the same electronics to the Cary 303/200, Krell, and Marantz SA-1. I also listened to a Meridian 588 and the Sony 777 elsewhere. IMO, the Linn was better sounding than all of the above on redbook cds. Now I listen to a lot of acoustic strings and jazz and the Ikemi handled Dave Grisman's mandolin beautifully. Not harsh at all. Also, the build quality surpassed all of the above, especially the Cary, which felt clunky by comparison.

My CD collection is too big to get into vinyl. I listen to everything from classical, rock, and international, to my recently growing love of jazz. The rest of my system is all McIntosh (MA 6900, and Thiel CS 2.3 speakers).

You mention many good players.....I have never head the Linn. Other thoughts?

Consider the Bel Canto V2.0 as the DAC for the MCD205....it will really sweeten the music, add soundstage...all for less than your projected budget. Further, the MCD205 mod works like a charm...no more static pop.

Audionote makes two CD players, at $1500 and $2500, both with tube output stages, I believe. I've not heard them, but will soon. Might check jcaudio.com. There are favorable reports on the Cary 308, and the Cairn CDP, both around $1500.

I know this is above your price range, but I would recommend an audition with the Resolution Audio Opus 21 ($3,000). I chose it after carefully auditioning the Wadia 301, the Ayre CX-7, also compared the Naim, the Krell, and the Sim Eclipse. I previously owned the Theta Pro Basic IIIa with Theta's transport.