looking for a new cd player........

I'm not so sure about the Sony ES comment. I have a 9000ES I bought to try SACD's. Its a good mass market player, but it was no match for my 1072. I had them side by side. Also, you have to be careful with the Sony. (at least the one I have). After I first put it in my system, nothing sounded quite right with my other sources. I found the problem by accident. When I unplugged the Sony, my system went back to normal. I was able to fix the problem with a JPS Digital AC+ power cord. It has a good filter on the end of it so it stops excessive noise from the CD player from making its way back into the AC that goes to my other components.

Also, I don't remember EAD making a single box player. Did they? I used to have a T1000, but that was just a transport. It was well made, though. The tray itself was actually part of the transport. Those old Pioneer units are good to buy vintage.

ZD...EAD did make a CD-1000 CD player. I had one for awhile. Nice unit.

Zd1542-There are some nice sounding Sony ES units from the mid 90's - early 2000's too many models(to long ago) for me to be specific. With a budget of $500 the options for a true hi-end player are very limited. I have NOT heard the Rotel 1072 it might just be the best budget option?

If you can find a pre-owned Audio Refinement CDP. . .

"I have NOT heard the Rotel 1072 it might just be the best budget option?"

I don't like to say anything is the best given we all have different taste's. In this price range, the 1072 would be my first choice.