Sleeper CD player DAC

@yakbob, @dvdgreco,

"For that $3-4k (and less on the used market) try to audition the Yamaha CD-S2100."

 " the build quality is fantastic." 

Can't agree more about these Yamaha players.

I have the baby brother Yamaha A-S1000 and it too is built like a brick at 33lbs.  If the 2100 is a bit too much $$$, the the CD-S1000 or CD-S2000 might be another option.  Neither has the outboard DAC feature but none the less they are incredible players that can be found for as little as $600.00(CD-S1000) on the used market up to $2000.00(CD-S2000) for new.  Refurbished fall somewhere between the low and high.

Also, a Cambridge Audio 840C or 851C, which do have DAC feature, might be a good choices.

Bill

" can u recommend another player that sounds like this unit? "

My Wadia 861SE is a better sounding unit than the Cary. If that's too much, I have a Wadia 302 that's very good as well. It's about the same as the Cary.

Ayre CX-7 and the 5 series U2, are also good choices. Resolution Audio Opus as well.

+ 1 for the Yamaha's .  Their new intergrated amps are great as well.

CD player - Esoteric DV50S 
New, it sold for $6,000. You can now pick one up used for ~$1,000.

Even cheaper is the Sony S9000ES that you usually find for under $300.

As for DACs, the Teac UD-501 can be found used for ~$500. In the higher end, you can find the Lampizator Amber for ~$2,000 or the Bricasti M1-SE for ~$5,000 (50% off new). 

Lampizator Atlantic Plus is a killer for the money!