Best CD Player under $1200

I agree with TPK123, Esound CD-E5 Signature is one of the best sounding, best built, CD players that one can buy brand new for under $1200... actually $878 new, shipped express from an online distributor.

I have a Creek CD 50 Mk II. It cost $1500 new but can be had for about $700-900 used, when available. It has some very nice sound characteristics: a great sound stage, lots of detail and very neutral.

for me also the Esound E-5 is a winner - built and performance way above it's price tag

Get the Quad cdp-2, you will not regret it. It looks a bit odd but is well built and sounds fantastic.

Don't know if its the "best" but if I bought a used player under $1,000 I would side with several of the comments above and opt for the Arcam FMJ 23.