Best CD player around $2000 new or used?

You're high enough, at $2000, to get a Wadia 830 if you're lucky, and IMHO it's in a completely different league from most that other responders have mentioned. I know of a particular one you might be able to get, for not more than $2100, so email me if you have a FIRM interest.

You should check out Linn Karik III's. With recent new models from Linn replacing the Karik after many years in production, people are selling almost-new Kariks for less than your price. A great choice if you are sensitive to "digital" sound, as it is very analog. It's also really well built and can be upgraded by using it as a transport. Also check out Meridian 508's, another great deal.

Meridian 506.20!!!

Save for a couple weeks more, and buy a used BAT VK-D5. Tubes! My choices were: Levinson 39 Goldmund 39xx Wadia 830 Wadia 850 Bat VK-D5 Bat's a giant killer. IMHO, and in my system it made the other coices sound ill. Best midrange and analog tonality. Try to find one to listen to if you can! Good Luck!

Mm- Try the new Cary 303 on the used market. Outstanding unit at about $1800. For the bucks, you can't beat it. Goodluck.