A reasonable step up from Rega Saturn CD player?


What might be considered a reasonably PRICED "used" or "new" step-up (in performance) from the Rega Saturn. I can not afford an Ayre CX-7MP2 player or upper end Sim Audio player. DAC and separate transport is not an option because I not interested in computer audio. Have recently listened to the new Cambridge Audio 840; Musical Fidelity M-3; Meridian 808; Creek Destiny I player; and Rega Isis Also, Audio Research CD-3 sounds wonderful but is out of my price range, even used. Ditto for the Rega Isis

I have exhausted my choices of CD players for my location and "boots on the ground auditioning" Recommendations happpily welcomed!!!
sunnyjim
Seems like your budget does not allow you to go much above the Saturn. As a rule of thumb you need to spend double to make a worthwhile difference.

Maybe rethink the computer route - a mac mini $600 plus a W4S DAC2 ($1100 used) will significantly outperform the Saturn and pretty much anything under $5k. I know, I had a $6000 Simaudio Moon player previously.
Given that you have a you have a DAC, have you considered a Meridian Transport? They sound great, and the market for them has gotten soft pretty much across the board.

For about the same price as a used Saturn, you can pickup a Meridian G98DH, which while dated as a DVD is still a crazy good CD transport.

Another option is the Oppo95. Again, for about the price of a used Saturn you get good sound and, as spindles go, is about as future proof as it gets.

Yet another option is to acknowledge that the Saturn is a great player, and to simply enjoy what you have.

At the same time, I was recently in your shoes. I upgraded the Saturn to a Naim CDX2, which was absolutely amazing. I ended up trading it back after a year b/c I didn't feel comfortable having that much cash tied to a then 7.5 year old spindle. I did find a pristine G98DH which I still own and happily consider a keeper.
Jas musik 1.2 tubed cd I have seen these used for $600.00 or a raysonic 168 which is the same as the ayon just less money. Best
Bryston, DENSEN or Sim Audio.....

I bought the REGA ISIS Valve and all made my short list that I auditioned (my buddy has the BRYSTON in his kit)