Looking for a CD player with more life


I'm currently running a Meridian 506.24, which has a very nice, relaxed sound with a big soundstage and just a nice "big" sound. However, I never want to listen to it these days because I'm looking for liveliness, which is not a forte of the Meridian.

So what I'm looking for now is a new, or used, CDP under $2K (closer to $1500 is better) that will give me a lively, punchy sound that is musical and detailed. I'm not looking to better my vinyl rig, nor to get a particularly analog sound - the record player is there for that. I'm looking for liveliness, a big, open soundstage (it's important to me to maintain a good depth of soundstage, but the width can be compromised to save some bucks) and better resolution than my current CDP, and to just want to put on a CD and have fun listening to it.

What I'm considering so far...

Cary 303/300
Simaudio CD1/Equinox/CD5.3 (to match with my I5)
Ayre CX-7e
Naim CD5/5i/5X

Is a newer, lower-end CD player as good as a previous generation, one step up player? I hesitate, for example, looking at a Sim Equinox or Nova compared with a current Equinox SE or CD1...Also, anything else that I should consider that would meet my sonic/musical goals?

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks,
Ken.
countingbackwards
What about the new Cambridge Audio 840C? See Robert Harley's effusive review in Absolute Sound. Google "absolute sound cambridge 840"
Thanks for the input on the Cambridge - I've seen all the positive reviews for the 840C, and heard one recently, but wasn't impressed with the depth of soundstage given the price-point of the unit. It seems like a very solid all-around unit, just not one that plays to the specific strengths I'm looking for.
Before you worry or spend too much, I'd recommend listening to an Onix cd-5se from av123. I just got one today that I bought here on the 'gon, and it is lively indeed, with no fatigue factor. 400 bucks and return it if you don't like it, nothing to lose.
I had the exact same problem once. I would like to suggest that your solution might be to replace your Moon i-5. I have owned two of these units, 5 years apart, and finally came to the conclusion that for the results I was looking for, I could do much better in the amp department. Granted, your Meridian 506.24 is now a bit dated, but still, I would go with a different amp first.

good luck!