Cambridge Audio CD Player Has Died

Yes, there is a discernible difference in the audio quality of CD players but my experience has been that the difference in the quality of the DACs inside the players has considerably more to do with that than the transport.

So, you might approach this in different ways, buy a new player, buy a separate DAC and transport, or buy a DAC first, connect it to your Cambridge's digital output and determine whether the problem with the Cambridge is the analog output or the DAC. If it works with the external DAC you're done. If it doesn't you could buy a transport for your new DAC and also be set up to use the DAC with streaming devices.

There are a lot of very good DACs out there at reasonable prices. I recently got a Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital for $400 that sounds very nice, has an integrated headphone amp and can be used as a preamp. But there are lots of options you could explore.

I agree that putting more money into the Cambridge probably isn't a good idea.

Cambridge sells their refurbished equipment at some very good prices. Their CXC transport is excellent. Lots of good choices on new, modest cost gear...

Ha!Same thing happened to me with my nine year old CD player.The parts are no longer available to repair it.So reluctantly I've decided to go with separates-Benchmark transport and a very well reviewed but inexpensive Parasound dac to start.It gives me a baseline that I can compare other dacs to.The new components will be up and running tomorrow so I'll post my first impressions then.

Just so that I am educated on this subject, is it correct to say that a stand-alone CD player is essentially a DAC + a transport? Sorry for the remedial question.
Kit

basic CD Player is DAC and Transport,  sometimes  also include streaming and digital in/out...many believe there are inherent low jitter advantages in an all in one player...