I would agree that overall CD recordings have improved greatly as a whole.
Still there were still some good recordings back in the 80's, weren't there? For example, I've heard some good Denon and GRP recordings from that era recently that sound pretty good.
I still suspect that both both recording technology and techniques and CD playback technologies have both improved significantly. The best results as a whole will come as a result of addressing both as needed.
Sunnyjim, I am not familiar with the Sonographe unit you have, but it sounds like it must match your system well if you've stuck with it for so long, which is very important, and was very good for its era. Maybe it really can compete with some of the latest, if not the greatest players? The only way to know for sure, as is always the case when considering alternate options in a hi fi system, is to try something that appears to be a step up, a/b compare with a sample of recordings that represent the best/worst of the old/new, and go from there.
Your question was have CD players gotten. The answer surely has to be "yes". But if you are happy with what you have even after you experience some options, why change?
When I look at new equipment, I often go to various shops and listen to the best they have to offer. This gives me a baseline reference for what is possible. THen a consider what I have currently. If the best is out of my price range, then I search for something I can afford that approaches what I consider to be the best if money were no object. I ususally end up with a good step forward without spending too much in all cases with this approach.
Good luck. Please keep us posted on your findings!
Cheers!