help with cd player choice.

If you go the Meridian route I am told that certain early 500 series players may not have replacement transport mechanisms. You might want to get the serial number and call Meridian. I'm not suggesting that the player is unreliable, but I would not personally spend $1000+ on a relatively old player without assurance of spare parts.

Dpm2340, another player you might want to consider, is the Ensemble CDP. It's a great sounding and built to what you would expect from a Swiss made product. It retails for $9000.00, but either demos or used pieces are selling for around $3500.00 to $4500.00, and you get one for less money I believe. It might be a little higher then your budget, but its really a reference level player.

I would try the Audio Aero Prima, very good for the price.
Good Luck,
Dave