Thanks all, for input.
Good to know on Marantz going forward. My non-ES Sony has been most reliable. Also has SACD capability, though I only have a handful of those.
An update: Last night, I ran a CD lens cleaner disc, played a few songs off a CD that I had played the night before. Heard only music this time. Not the greatest test, because we shut it off early to watch TV. We'll see how it does this weekend. Also, played both sides of another record album, hearing no static/squawking whatsoever. Further convinces me it's not the speakers.
I'd be loathe to be without a CD player. But with the exception of lately, trying to get this figured out, I probably play 3-4 records for every CD.
Long term, probably looking to replace. Besides Sony, any thoughts on Rega? Or Yamaha? (Understand some don't like Yamaha house sound. I must be OK with it, having had Yamaha integrated for 30 + years). Honestly, I really liked the Marantz sound until gremlins showed up.