CDP suggestions for bright system?

I'll second Xmore's suggestion. You could probably get a CAL DX-2 new for around $500, and used for much less. I got a DX-2 for exactly the reason you mention and am very happy with it.

CAL Icon MKII - with or with out the Power Boss upgrade. Either can be found used within your budget. Digital out on your CD player? Look into the tubed CAL Sigma II processor. Also on the site for your budget! I have a CAL Icon MKII and will probably never sell it ... it's that good for the money.

I know there is no way you can get one for $500, but in my opinion the Sony SACD players are "overly" smooth. They more than compensate for that bright CD sound that we have tried to cure with warmer sounding components and never quite worked out. There may be models available soon at that price that can play DVD's too. Don't buy one yet. But keep it in mind.

ah Tjoeb 99, there is one out there used for $300. It is a modified Marantz player with a tube output stage. Otherwise I think that anything in the $500 will be pretty messy in the high end.

Hi Widner. IMO you have two components in your system that tend to be a bit lean and have a reputation for being a little bright and analytical sounding. This is not to say that your equipment is not of high quality or what have you but I've owned and Acurus A150 along with the Acurus RL-11, ACD-11(which I still own as a transport)and had them connected using DH Labs and I found the sound the of this system to be a little lean and on the cold side. However, I paid a little more attention to my room acoustics and it helped my system dramatically. How does your room sound? Does it have sufficient sound absorbing materials in the room like thick curtains, book shelfs or carpet? This approach may help you identify more quickly the problem components even before you get your new CD player.