Looking for a CD player

Another really good CDP with preamp out and DAC input is the Cambridge Audio 851C. I have one and it sounds very nice and not bright whatsoever. It is a fairly revealing player so poor recordings are still going to sound as they are. Change out the two fuses which I did with the right power cord it’ll be tuff to beat and for what they go for used these days it’s definitely a player to consider. I also own a stock Oppo 205 and the Cambridge is more refined. Still would consider separates but for what a used Cambridge 851C goes for, you could start there then later add a DAC which is what I did, but don’t underestimate the 851C on its own. It’s also nicely built. I would think going through your Primaluna will sound great as the Cambridge is an open/transparent player. Also balance out sounds better to my ears if you have that option.

I use a Cambridge CXC CD transport and Bel Canto 2.7 DAC and it does sound good. Got the DAC used. I'm not entirely thrilled with the CXC. The remote is absurdly large- has controls for a whole system and only a few work for the transport. But more importantly, it fails to play some CDs from legit publishers and appears to skip easily due to superficial scratches/dirt.  Just doesn't seem as robust as other CD players I have had.

I am a big fan of Bel Canto, and not just the DAC.

The remote is absurdly large- has controls for a whole system and only a few work for the transport.

I don't mind the remote, but I'm currently still using the CXN as my DAC/streamer. In that format I think the size is more comfortable. But I could see it being really annoying if you're only using the CD player. 

If your CD player has a digital coax out, I would buy a Schiit Yggdrasil GS at $1599. I play CD’s with a Marantz U7007 Blu Ray player with my Yggdrasil and its sounds really great. 

You might want to try the Rotel RCD-1572 new for under $1,000. or the Audiolab 8300CDQ  open box @ hi-fi Heaven for $1,399.99