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
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