Reference CD & DVD Player ?

Justy, I'd have to second Ronc. I just got the Pioneer DV-09, and have been very impressed with DVD, and satisfied with the CD playback. I picked it up used on Audiogon for $900 including shipping. To get the most out of my CDs, I'm now contemplating getting the MSB Link III DAC recently reviewed on Stereophile - it's $400 new. This should nicely complement the DV-09 and provide excellent CD Playback. This may be the best strategy in meeting your needs for under $1,500. Good luck.

I own Pioneer Elite DV-09. Thank God I also have Theta data 3. Yup, quite a difference.This dif. is quite apparent using a seperate dac,as in the 09 as a transport only. So no free lunch,just so you know.

I should have mentioned I have Theta Gen 5a 24/96 dac. Also one spells "separate" this way.

Cal Audio CL-20 DVD-CD is pretty good. Might be a bit higher than you want to spend though.