Help CDP over vinyl upgrade advice please

Thanks for the great feedback. I don't really have the mod capabilities- so that's out. A tube unit may be worth a try.

I guess there's a butt for every cushion. The black background of cd is OK, but it needs the rest of the aural scene. Most of my collection on vinyl is pretty clean and well recorded and pressed- so noise isn't much of a factor really... I could put up with most other detriments but the 'Life' has to be there, and if a tube cdp might do it then it's worth a look. Audio Aero Prima might be worth looking into... Thanks for the tip

My stock Rega Apollo (sorry -- top loader) destroys my BIX turntable with stock Rega RB250 arm. It's set up perfectly, but it can't come close to the dynamics and range I get from the Apollo. And, of course, my Monarchy M24 DAC beats the BIX/REGA as well. My Michell Orbe/Wilson Benesch/Shelter combo does a bit better, but it costs a ton more.

Presently, I'm looking for a better arm for the BIX so it can get a bit closer to the Apollo... I know there are a lot of better arms out there, but I'm waiting for the right deal to come along.

You're not going to get CD to sound as good as vinyl(anyone who tells you different can't hear!)particularly in the price range you're are talking. However,you can get CD to sound more analog like and thus become a more acceptable and enjoyable source to listen to.
The problem with digital, in my opinion, is not the hardware or software, its in vibration control and EMI/RFI control. You solve those problems and digital can sound very good.(but it still won't surpass vinyl)
There're some fairly inexpensive tweeks that can help accomplish this task: 1)myrtle wood blocks under source components(preamp, CD player) 2)maple wood platforms and isoblocks also under source components. 3)Stillpoints ERS cloth around speaker cable leads and interconnect jacks as well as powercord plugs and iec connectors. Additionally if placed on top of CD player over transport, makes a difference.
Some other not so inexpensive tweeks but definitely vast improvements are audiophile grade powercords ie; electraglide, shunyata, elrod statement etc. and power conditioning such as Richard Gray, Shunyata, PS audio.
Retail, this is stuff is expensive but used on audiogon, it can be affordable.
If you throw your money in this direction instead of at more expensive components, you'll come out much futher ahead money wise and listening wise.

I will start with my bias, that I've never warmed up to any low to medium end sony gear. When I heard Sony SACD I thought that I was doing quite as well with RedBook at home.(Krell CD1 and Spectral)
Now, that is just a reference. I would think that any BAT, the Audio Arrow, Cary, or Audio Research or Merridian would go where you want to go. If the New Appollo isn't top loading, (I don't know) you might want to go hear one. If not, that Audio Arrow would get my bucks. The only reason I didn't snatch one up is that I'm saving for more recent (can't hope for the newest) Cary units. I say this as a Krell 280CD owner. Solid deep bass, big sound stage, clear and deep imaging, smooth clean extended highs and detail and focus all the way. But it's not warm. So I'd rather go warm "all in one" than use it as you could your sony, as the detail transport into a tube D/A.

Well I guess I can't hear but thats OK because as long as I am happy with the sound of my system thats all that matters.

Chuck