Suggestions for CD player $2-3k used?

I just read this thread and see that you intend to go to a balanced preamp. Consider the Audio Research CD-3 or (CD-3 Mk. II). It is a truly differential-balanced design, and very "well-balanced" performer. The only warning is that it loads from the top. Here are reviews by Marc Mickelson and Wes Phillips (of Stereophile):

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/audioresearch_cd3mkii.htm

http://www.onhifi.com/product/audioresearch_cd3.htm

I am biased because I own one, but if you want a balanced CD player and don't want to spring for Meitner-level digital gear, it is a good option.

be careful about 24/192 upsampling players. i too have been looking for a cd player. ihave heard many. i bought a bat vk d5. it has 6 tubes. i intend to sell it shortly and am looking again fro a cd player. i would not buy any on your short list. i am considering a cec 51 xr.

most of the high resolution cd players are ruthless at revealing the flaws of a recording. i heard the ayre, the resolution audio and was not impressed.

i would just be very careful considering the cd players on your list, including the cary. my suggestion: audition before purchasing and have some soft sounding cables on hand in case you need them--perhaps, an equalizer too.

Thanks everyone so far, I do appreciate all the responses and the great suggestions and considerations you guys are coming up with. Since I plan to purchase used, I will not be able to hear he unit beforehand. Therefore, I have to do my best research and take my chances, as I have with the rest of my system. Based on the many happy owners, the Cary seems to be a strong choice. To Rodman99999 and Mrtennis, have you compared the VK D5 with the D5SE? I used to own the VK 500 amp, which was beat out in my system by the McCormack, although I always liked the BAT build quality and certainly can appreciate their approach to voicing their products, very musical. I definitely would consider the BAT players, although after owning the SF Line 3SE, I am not too fond of the 6922 tube, especially having to buy them. Does anyone know if the 6H30 super tube SE unit still provides the fully fleshed out midrange that BAT is known for? To Raquel, thanks for the review links, have you heard the differences between the CD3 and CD3MkII? Top loaders are ok and the CD3 uses one of the best. Has anyone done comparisons with the McCormack Deluxe or Electrocompaniet?

If you are looking to run your player balanced, I would think about going with the Ayre. The products that they produce sound much better when run with balanced cables since they put their money into designing fully balanced circuitry. If you are going to run single ended, I would audition the Modwright Platinum Truth Sony 999ES or the newer versions that Dan mods.

A Modwright Sony (get a copper umbilical from Dan if you buy a used one with the Revelation Audio Silver umbilical) would seem to meet your needs the best other than being single ended. Best value by far.
The Meridians and Sim Audios I've heard (don't remember which ones other than the Moon) have tended to be cool and analytical. Didn't care for the Cary 303-300 either: thought the Muscial Fidelity A5 was better.
Liked the Ayre CX7e and, as I only heard it in single ended mode, it could be very good indeed. Didn't find it uptilted.
As suggested above, an AR CD3 could be a very good choice also. I have yet to hear one but the reviews seem to match your criteria.
Good luck.