Best CD player around $2000 new or used?

You should add the Rega Jupiter/Io combination to your short-list. They retail for $1800, but you can find them used for $1000-1200 (their is an ad here in Audiogon right now). Stereophile includes the Jupiter/Io in their "Class B" grouping of CD players.

If you are interested in more pedestrian brand names try an Arcam FMJ-CD23. It retails new for under $2000, runs with the big dogs in measured performance (Stereophile, my own test CDs) and sounds great. I A/B'd w/ Wadia & Theta gear and felt the Arcam was a helluva deal.

For perhaps a few $$$ more, you might be able to grab a second hand BAT VK-D5. It's a superb cd player with an absolutely stunning midrange portrayal. Highly recommended!! Good Luck Ken

I found a wadia 830 here on Audiogon for under $2000 by posting a wanted. It is a wonderful cd player. Smooth, natural and as good as,or better than anything I've heard.

I love my CD1 and I understand the CD2 is better yet. the CD2 is selling in the range you are talking about and the CD1 is normally under $1500 used. Buy one!