New CDP or standalone DAC...?

Why didn’t you go for the 205?

For your budget I’d suggest a Tascam 200 as a CD transport with a Schiit Audio Gungnir Multibit DAC. Alternatively, you could go with a Cambridge CXC transport or Audiolab 6000 CDT transport.  I like the Tascam as it uses a Teac 5020 cd transport, a very good drive.

The Oppos don’t have dedicated 44.1 kHz clocks, and Redbook CD suffers as a result, in my opinion. Most modern DACs don’t decode HDCD, but I have read that they still sound very good when the 16 bit layer  is when decoded with a high-end DAC like the Gungnir.  Schiit Audio offers a 15 day trial.

That combo should give very high end Redbook playback. For SACD or others, you could retain the Oppo.  Otherwise, you could look for a CD player in the same price range, but I’m not sure anyone in that range would beat the combo I've suggested.

@ptss - thought about it, never pulled the trigger...
I don't have much interest in SACD or HDCD any more, 99% of my listening is redbook CDs.
To all- thanks for the thoughtful suggestions, 'Goners are such a good source of information!
Will post again after I've made the change.
Happy listening to all!

Tom

@mooglie. Do the Oppomod clock upgrades seem good?

I can't say as I have not used them.  However, a better clock probably will improve things. For Redbook-CD I believe a transport/player with a dedicated 44.1 kHz clock is the way to go.