Replace CD player or add DAC?

IMHO although dated your CDP really isn't that bad, and there's lots of articles on the 'net on how to modify CD players quite inexpensively. If I were you I'd consider upgrading your preamp, I think you'll hear an immediate improvement.

Well, I agree with both Hack & Jond. Having had Adcom preamps & the CD67se in my system in the past, my experience has been that both can be bettered considerably by numerous reasonably priced preamps & cd players. You will hear improvements with well chosen replacements of both. I know, the limitations of the budget,(sigh.) I really didn't care for the cd67se at all, it sounded strident to me. But your system/room may be different. A dac can certainly improve things, but the transport has to be a good one to realize the full benefit as Jond says. Probably, a good one box unit is the best buy. Long term, I'd think about replacing both if possible. Think about buying used to maximize bang for buck.

one thing at atime. leave the preamp, sell the cdp, and get either a used Naim or Meridian single box CDP. that was easy, wasn't it?

Richmon,i have Studio 100s v2,CJ MF 2500A,i recently added a Supratek Chardonney preamp ,with great results,its a little more than you want to spend,it sure makes CDs sound great!

The sourse is the most important part of you system. Depending on how much money you have to spend on a DAC look at MSB Tech the Gold linkIII is good at round $850 but for twice the money the Platium Dac is the way to go. Used it will range from $1800 to $2200 but you will have the makings of an unbelievable system.