Replacement CD Player?


After trying to revive / replace the laser unsuccessfully on my Meridian 24bit 508 CD Player I'm resigned to finding a replacement. So what would folk recommend for a budget of $1200 - $1500 that will match up with Meridian 561 DSC and DSP5000 speakers?


spytrapper
However, the OP does not really need a complete CD player. A normal CD player essentially consists of two parts, the drive/laser assembly that produces a robust digital signal (for years Meridian just like many other high end manufacturers used bog standard Philips asemblies), and a DAC that converts that digital signal into an analogue signal.
Thanks to robust error correction, the digital signal is a bit perfect copy of the original recorded file (see here for an explanation of digital error correction: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=119305&page=1) So whatever your player, and as long as you have not totally destroyed the disc, the digital file will be the same bit perfect file. Sonic differences (though quite small) only emerge afterwards, when the digital file is converted into an analogue stream. Since the OP already has a digital to analogue converter in his pre amp/processor all he needs is a player with a digital output (preferably optical in his case). Whatever player he uses, as long as he uses the digital output, there will be no sonic differences. So he might as well use that old Sony Playstation 3, or whatever he has or buys cheaply. The only two things to consider are the mechanical noise level of the drive (that proverbial Playstation is pretty noisy) and the convenience of the user interface. But make sure it has an optical output.
 I second the Oppo 205 recommendation.  @willemj makes a great point in that you can still use the digital inputs on Meridian.  So if you find the Oppo somewhat disappointing just use it as a transport.
However you will gain all the flexibility that mentions.  Even if you don’t need or want it’s file playing capabilities you may want to purchase some Blu Ray Concerts
If Bluray is not important but occasionally still useful a cheap Bluray player is also a good idea. Unfortunately many of the cheaper ones no longer have optical audio outputs, so you would need to inspect the specifications carefully. Most Playstations will do the job, however.
Thanks everyone for the feedback. So I think the Oppo UDP-203 at $599 will likely fit the bill with its optical output (plus a couple of nice extra features like the USB on the front). Based on everyone's input I'm not sure the 205 is worth the extra $600?