upgrade question...

Go for a DVD. I had a Rotel 951 like yours. Now I am happy with a Pioneer DV 45A which cost me only $500, and I have seen it listed at $400 (but out of stock!). Consider that this unit not only plays your CD's, but also DVD-A and SACD (both) as well as DVD-V movies. To my ear, the media upgrade, particularly SACD, outweighs the benefit of esoteric capacitors in a straight CD player.

Rotel 991 AE is a great unit,especially if you take it used on A-gon.Well worth$600-700. IMO.

Oh, did I mention the s9000es' cool little blue light?

-IMO

This unit's performance is outstanding for it's retail price of $1500."

Pleaselet us know what ~$1500 players you compared to the Sony and detail the comparisons.

"This unit should easily be at least sonically equal, if not superior, to those units you are now considering."

Why?

"And the Sony is built like a small tank weighing in at 28 lbs., a complete copper-shielded chassis, etc.."

So what? What makes that important, itself?

No, but I would recommend you also consider a used Sony DVP s9000es SACD/CD/DVD player for about $600. This unit's performance is outstanding for it's retail price of $1500.

This unit should easily be at least sonically equal, if not superior, to those units you are now considering. And the Sony is built like a small tank weighing in at 28 lbs., a complete copper-shielded chassis, etc..

If you perform a search, you should find many postings here on A'gon substantiating the qualities of this Sony dvp s9000es.

-IMO