CD Player Recommendations…

Rega Apollo R:  Mine has been on the shelf for a few years but has exactly the sonic qualities the OP is looking for.

I've owned the Rega Saturn-R for about 4 years and find it to be a fantastic unit. They are $2995 MSRP and you can find good used ones for about half that amount. At the used price, I find it to be a great value, having all around great sound, plus the functionality of DAC inputs for use with a streamer, TV, or whatever other digital sources you may have.

While I have a Saturn and its just tremendous with (two?) WM8740 chips. It was pretty expensive new. I have no need for multiple formats, USB, digital output etc.

These days I’d probably go for something more modest. The Rega Apollo has a (upgraded) Wolfson chip, like the Saturn, and would be perfectly sufficient.

A while ago I noticed someone deciding upon a Yamaha CD player.  Because they also make musical instruments.  I don't endorse that logic.

Find a used Marantz hd cd-1. It's a unique compact cd player that can also serve as a transport. I use mine with a Border Patrol dac. It sounds great.