how much difference does a player make

I bought a used Anthem CD-1 for a second system (6-disc Sony stacked drive guts with Anthem tube output DAC boards and power supply.) I hooked it up to my main system and whoaaa this thing blew away my Audio Refinement CDP (cheap YBA) so bad it was not even funny.

Advantages: Supurb sound for a multi-disc changer, built like a tank, can play with tube output if desired, digital & analog outputs single ended & balanced. Resell it for no loss if you don't like it.

Disadvantage: No longer made, Takes a few seconds to turn on tube stage, Changer is cubmersom, Changer is mechanical and a bit noisy in operation, only plays CD and HDCD. You can't have mine.

These were 1595 new. I paid 650 on audiogon with upgraded tube.

NAD is an audiophile namebrand with a notorious reputation for quality control. Audible differences will be minimal at best, until the NAD breaks. At that point, the Denon wins hands down. Plus, if you want a changer, buy a changer.

Can make or break your system. Second most important piece (next to speakers)in the audio chain.

Have a friend bring over a high end player or get your audio store to let you have a demo. You will be stunned at the difference a good CD player can make.