If you think the CD1 is very good, why not buy something like a used DAC3 VB and use the CD1 as a transport (assuming it works as a transport)? I was able to compare the CD2 as a standalone player and then as a transport into a DAC3 VB, and the DAC was superior in almost every way -- and not by a small margin. The most notable difference was that dimensionally the soundstage expanded in every direction, and individual performers became much more palpable in occupying their own space. Tonally it just seemed neutral and very natural, neither emphasizing nor diminishing tonal properties of instruments or vocals. Just another way to go, and best of luck.