If your whole system costs $40,000....

Seems you are fooled into thinking $40K will get you a great system. I have experienced system in the $10K range that blew away $100K systems. With the right room, $10K will get you great sound. Talk to Jim Smith before you spend another dime.

A system is only as good as the weakest link.

Most modern CD players are pretty good. You have to have a very well tuned system in other more problematic aspects first, especially in regards to amp/speaker/room/listening position integration.

Then you are in a good position to judge the value proposition of different CD players at different price points.

Simply put: research and more research what is available with your requirements. Decide on your "BEST", and patiently wait for a good example to come up here used...... and SNAP IT UP!!

I am trying to conduct a survey here in order to give myself a reference how one with spend on a CDP vs the rest of his system.

Who is willing to share? I had posted mine earlier here.

All good points above. The better, all the better. Don't compromise on your source. Choose one you will never let go of.
Buy once. Be patient.