Is it time to upgrade

If you have some older cables lying around, try them. They were called 'tone controls' in the old days as each one imparted a different flavor as no cable is really neutral sounding.

I went about a year not listening to my CDP (newer than yours but still uses BB) and tried some old cables and viola!, best sound I've heard in my system. Then I bi wired a 2nd older pair using bananas on the same posts and bingo!, even better (thank goodness I didn't need to use shazam!)

If you think your cables are up to snuff, then a better CDP may be in order, or, if the drive is decent, then maybe a DAC? So many variables. You'll get 10 different responses from 10 different people.

Good luck and all the best,
Nonoise

I forgot your mention of having a $1000 budget for a new CDP so here is my advice: try out the TEAC PD-H600. Think of it as "Esoteric Lite". It's capable of wonderful sound when correctly paired. You can get one at Amazon for 2/3s its retail price or at onecall.com where I believe they have a return policy.

I love mine, Absolute Sound gave it 'Product of the Year', great reviews (dime a dozen). I'd call onecall to see about that return policy.

All the best,
Nonoise

bobo, esp. in view of the rapid devaluation/devolution of the cd medium, i personally wouldn't drop a grand on a cdp--i'd invest in a separate dac and use your old denon (or equaivalent) as a transport. lots of good ones around $300-500--mf vdac, arcam, rega, cambridge dac magic. not only will those significantly improve sonics, but give you the flexibility of enhancing other digital sources like your pc or cable box. you can spend the savings on quaity bourbon and come out way ahead. just my pontification for the evening.

Well I have a large collection of CD's 500 or so.So I will allways have them.Thanks for the TEAC tip'That one gets alot of good praise.The oppo 95 also looks to be great,Stereophile A+ LIST 'wow.Its Dacs are suppose to be great.And the CD is not going anywhere.It will be here as long as I am alive.

Oppo 95 for sure! with that shinny disc collection your gonna be elated and wait till you stick a usb flash drive in with some hires files! and yeah its Dac's are the cats meow!