recommendations for a sub $2000 cdp

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that for $2k, the best thing out there is likely to be a musicserver rather than a CDP. I am still figuring out which way to go, but for $2k, I would be leaning towards a Mac mini + a Buffalo DAC from twistedpearaudio.com. $2k would get you a dedicated MacMini, lots of hard drive space, a Buffalo DAC and the trimmings, and a cable between the two. Depending if you got your MacMini used, how much HDD space you got, the cost of your USB cable, and what trimmings you put on the DAC, you could probably also get an iPod Touch to use as a remote control for your system, in which case you'd have the coolest and upgradeable $2k CDP out there... The other way to go might be to build a cMP music server - recipes are available on the PC Audio forum on AudioAsylum. When I did the math, it came in under $2k. Both look like excellent solutions.

Disclosure: I have used Macs for several years, and have an iPod Touch, which I think is great. I also have a CDP in a second system which I bought for just under $2k several years ago.

T bone

Call me old fashioned but I like to see the computer under my desk and a CDP in my stereo cabinet but i'll do some research on your post. Thanks

ARC CD3 a very good player that when available sells for around $2000, worth the wait. If you want looks too a Raysonic 128 on AgoN now for $1075.

I'd second T-Bone's recommendation to move in the direction of PC audio. My experience has been that at its best it has the potential to outperform any CD player you'd be likely to find at that pricepoint. Short of that, I'd look at a used Modwright Sony 9100 Platinum Signature Truth, or perhaps a used Electrocompaniet EMC-1UP.