Better cd SQ

I’m running a $550 Audiolab 6000CDT into a Denafrips Pontus ll DAC that I believe is currently around $1700US.

All the Best.

You really need to state how you feel your current CD player is lacking.  What exactly is missing??  You can change the sound in many directions but without knowing what you are looking for suggestions become random reflecting what a given member values.  

What do you value?

You can buya Eversolo A8 streamer ,dac , server and just buy a external dvd drive 

and better cable , play your CDs,rip them once you buya easy to install Solid state drive you can play digital radio,orTidal,orQobuz. Fora huge music library playing all Flac files , just buy decent Ethernet cables , and Ethernet hub , time to move with the times , and the external drive will sound far better then what you have .

set the streamers filter to Slow roll off off filter and very smooth sounding. 
 

I used to have the marantz CD6005. Now have the Jay's CDT2-MK3 with gustard x26 pro. The difference in sound clarity and overall presence is HUGE. I know it's way above your price range, but just making the point that you have lots to gain in moving up from the CD6005. I also used the Cambbridge CXC, better but nowhere the improvement of the Jay's. I hope you will find a way to enjoy your CDs as much as I do. And I run streaming and vinyl too.

+1 for Denafrips Pontus II 12th DAC, about $1,800 at current exchange rates at Vinshine Audio....can be purchased new for a little over $1,800 new with free shipping. Hundreds of positive reviews, sounds more analog than most DACs, US based service center, release updates a couple of times a year, and Alvin Chee at Vinshine is a great guy to deal with.

I've had mine for a couple of years now, and it has remained stellar even though I have upgraded components around it....never thought it was a weak link