If your going CD only it will be tough to beat an Arcam FMJ 23 or Arcam FMJ 33, both or which show up here time to time in the $1,000 range. I considered a universal as well but with over 400 CD's already owned went with the stand alone as NO universal in the $2,000 & under range came within shouting distance of the Arcam. Ultimately have ended up with the Ayre CX-7, but could happily live with either of the two Arcam units mentioned above. Good Luck!