CDP better than Oppo 970HD

Simaudio Equinox should be worlds beyond the Oppo, and a great synergy with your I5. Although, it might be a bit outside your budget.

Currently there are four Resolution Audio cdps, two CD-50s and two CD-55s listed on Agon. I own a CD-50 and an Oppo 980HD and there is no comparison. I actually took the Oppo out of my system and am using it strictly as a DVD player because it wasn't worth comparing.
The RA is IMO the best under $1k cdp available on the used market. If my CD-50 quit I'd buy one of them.
No affiliation with any of the sellers.

The Simaudio Equinox is not on my list because it's thicker than 4", can not fit into my cabinet.

I've run my Oppo through the excellent DAC of my Playback Designs MPS-5 with excellent results. The CD performance of the Oppo improved 90+% when used thusly. Hence, I think that you might consider investing in a good DAC in your price range, like the Benchmark or Bel Canto. With a good DAC in your system you can use it with other sources as well, like a server or iPod reader.

The transport is indeed important, but IMHO the DAC is responsible for a lot more of the performance, particularly in your price range.

Dave

Oppo is OK on audio, but not close to a 1K cdp, unless you add outboard DAC, then it can be better.