Recommendations for CDP < $300


I'm new to hifi. Not really an audiophile yet. Inherited a nice older system but the Arcam CD92 player just died. 

I'm currently using an old low end Sony but it really belongs to a basic low end system down at my cabin. I have a couple of books on top of it and sorbothane pads under the feet and I'm okay with the SQ. But, it needs to go back down to my cabin.

Looking at used CD players on eBay, prices are all over the place and I'm a little leery of buying a used low end player which may have been mishandled etc. And even some with low prices have shipping rates that make even the cheap ones not worth the bother.

So now I'm looking at a new one. Prefer sub $300. There are three I'm looking at: Onkyo C-7030 for $200. NAD C538 for $300. It sounds like these two have the same Wolfson DAC. Not sure why the NAD is $100. I've pretty much ruled out a Cambridge CD-10 at $300 because it does not have gap-less play back. I don't listen to a ton of classical but I do some and pauses between classical arrangements would be a deal breaker.

I have noticed that some reviews are claiming newer CDPs sound much better than older CDPs due to improved technology. Not sure if this is true or not. Any reason to prefer new to historically good older models?

Anyway, besides the Onkyo and the NAD are there other sub $300 units I should look at? Anything else I need to consider?

Thanks,
George
n80
I would consider RIPing your CDs (ALAC or FLAC).  There are any number of ways to stream to your hifi, wired and wireless (a Chromecast Audio can be had for $25).  Try Roon.
That is possibly a project for the future. I have peered into that rabbit hole a few times but the software and hardware complexity and requirements seem to add up pretty fast.
If you have a smart phone or laptop, a $5 patch cable will get you started.  If you have a home network, $25 will get you a Chromecast Audio.  CD quality and better.  The DACs in most modern computers or phones are pretty good.  There are a slew of external DACs available that will give you a noticeable upgrade for around $100 (Audioquest Dragonfly, Schiit Modi).

Of course, you can spend more and get as complicated as you want.  But you will be 90% there with just a $5 patch cable.  And if you can swing the monthly cost for TIDAL, you may not need to RIP very many CDs.
n80

Give me an update on your search for the next cd player.  Happy Listening!