Can anyone recommend a smooth, rich CD player?

You may also want to consider the Audiomeca Keops. It is based on a highly modified CEC belt drive transport, and has the attributes you are looking for.

there is only one warm and rich cd player ever made, namely the cal tempest.

One of the smoothest richest sounding cd players was the venerable pioneer pd-65. Many now use it soley as a transport but it had a very smooth dac. If your system is treble bright or you want a rich sound this may be one of the best and cheapest ways to achieve your goals.

I would listen to the Cary 303/300. Listen to the tube output. It is special.

The Cayin 15, now updated to the 17 version really delivered="smooth/rich" with their tube outs.
I owned both and recently sold the 15.I paid $1K included ship last yr for the 17.