Considering getting a CD player (again). Used? New? Criteria?

Re: new vs. used. Everyone has different perceptions of risk and risk tolerance. If I buy a used player, I have no idea how hard it was used by the previous owner (or their family). All that matters is that it works when they sell it. Unlike a car, it has no odometer. If I buy new, I know it's new and there's a warranty for years. Audio hobbyists are fine with owning many different CD players and/or getting replacements. I'm not planning on making CD's central to my audio life, and so I want to do something reliable here and not revisit it. Better ways to spend my time and money.

Re: transport vs. CD players. Lots of folks continue to weigh in with their best CD player suggestions. I'm fairly convinced that I don't want to pay for the DAC section of a player if I'm going to purchase a kick-ass DAC that I will use in lieu of the CD players DAC. If I just pay for transport, from a good brand, I'll get better transport.

These are just the way the advice here is striking me, given my situation. There's a lot of good info here for those in a different situation, so glad people are taking the time to weigh in.

I was there a few monthes ago ... found myself with a totally different soluition ...
A 300+ CD changer , used from a single owner  + a vintage tube CAL Alpha tube DAC connected via optic cable .
This makes CDs easy , fun and sweet sound overall.

Used Linn Ikemi. Will smoke anything mentioned on here. Used for 700 bucks. Bulletproof. 

As I mentioned in an earlier post I am with you on getting a transport to use with your DAC. Added flexibility, no need for redundant DACs, better upgrade path.  There are a couple posters on this thread that preferred the Audiolab transport over the Cambridge. The original Cambridge can be had for close to 1/2 the price however (~$300).  

@mesch Thanks. I ordered the Cambridge and will try it out. Got it for $399, new. The Audiolab has good reviews but is, as you say, twice the price. For some, the stakes here are higher than they are for me; I simply won't be able to determine how good a choice this was until I have settled on a DAC, a new preamp/amp, and speakers. With all those choices yet to come, more analysis of this choice seems imprudent!