Very airy sounding player under 1K used?

My opinion will via you off course but I must excuse and state that power cables, inteconnects, and speakers hold an important key to get the airy sound as well.

As for CDP, I think you're better luck with most Japanese and American CDP's for the airy sound. Rega Apolo has a very deep and rich warm sound; "The England sound". Is that what are you chasing after?
Goodluck and keep us posted.

I see a vacuum tube pre-amp and tube output stage cd player in your future.

No solid state pre/cd combo will deliver the goods in the air department. For digital to have "air" it must at the very least pass thru a transparent tube pre-amp.

Hope that clears it up.

I am strongly considering the musical fidelity A5, as of now.

I owned an MF A5 for several years. You certainly are on target with that pick. Bass is very taught, tuneful, rhythmic with a good dose of dynamic contrasts. Plenty airy, with a deep layered soundstage.

Good luck