Is it time to upgrade

Bump/Come on guys lets hear some ideas.I ask this question on AVS'but as normal everyone over their says all CD players sound the same'also all amps'wire' ect all sound the same.I thought hear would be different.

If you have some older cables lying around, try them. They were called 'tone controls' in the old days as each one imparted a different flavor as no cable is really neutral sounding.

I went about a year not listening to my CDP (newer than yours but still uses BB) and tried some old cables and viola!, best sound I've heard in my system. Then I bi wired a 2nd older pair using bananas on the same posts and bingo!, even better (thank goodness I didn't need to use shazam!)

If you think your cables are up to snuff, then a better CDP may be in order, or, if the drive is decent, then maybe a DAC? So many variables. You'll get 10 different responses from 10 different people.

Good luck and all the best,
Nonoise

I forgot your mention of having a $1000 budget for a new CDP so here is my advice: try out the TEAC PD-H600. Think of it as "Esoteric Lite". It's capable of wonderful sound when correctly paired. You can get one at Amazon for 2/3s its retail price or at onecall.com where I believe they have a return policy.

I love mine, Absolute Sound gave it 'Product of the Year', great reviews (dime a dozen). I'd call onecall to see about that return policy.

All the best,
Nonoise