Best sounding CD Player for $3K or less used?

For what it is worth, at 3k you can expect greatness brand new and with a warranty (e.g. Arcam FMJ, Hagerman tech. dac + 1k dvd player, etc.). If you so choose. When I was shopping, I never found the +5k players to neccessarily suit me any better than the 2k players and sometimes my definte preference was the much lower priced unit.

With regards to the Wadia players, you should also be able to get an 850 for under $3k. I'm not sure how much of an upgrade this is to the 301, 302, & 830.

Jeff

If you are in US Arcam FMJCD36 is $2000 new right now.

it is one amazing player, plays Sacd as well

There’s a Wadia 850 with GNSC Statement mods to it for sale hear at your budget.
I had one for 7 years and it is by far the best player from the list above.
Awesome player with the mods from GNSC