CD Player or DAC

Do you currently have a transport?

If not I would go with the Jolida JD100 if you are looking for warmth. If you insist on spending up to the $1,500, get it modded.

If you want detail go for a used Cary 303/200 (which I've seen for $1,500. They are very reasonable now that the 303/300 is out.

CD player unless you already have an excellent transport.
I had a Bel Canto 1.1 DAC.
Not bad, nothing special.
For $1500 you have many options new and used.

IMHO adding a DAC is a better option. IMHO the digital cable is way more important then the transport. I tried six different transports and the bigger system improvement came from a better digital cable. That being said, there is a CAL Alpha tube DAC on the Gon now for $600, offer $450 and get some NOS tubes, or find an Electrocompaniet DAC or better yeet find a used older Audio Logic tube DAC. These will better any CDP in the $5000 range with a good digital cable and your current CDP.

Happy Listening.

Shimanole, I just recently posted a review of the sonic differences between reference DACS here on the GON, which you might find helpful in your search. I have also listened to many DACS at your price range and believe that the Bel Canto DAC II offers a wonderful blend of warmth/musicality with details/dynamics and more extension on the top/bottom then the tube DACS at this price. Match it up with Acoustic Zen E=MC2 and an inexpensive transport, the Bel Canto is pretty immune to jitter, and you would have a great digital front end that would have the type of synergy that you are looking for. Of course you have to audtion this in your own system to really know if it is what you are looking for. Good luck.