good CD player with variable output?

wadias are good, but you need to make an internal adjustment to match their output to the input sensitivity of your amp. The digital volume control should indicate 75 or above to get the best fidelity. Any Wadia dealer can do this for you.

I guess when I meant "high-value", I meant more along the lines of "value for money", or "bang for the buck" Can't see myself putting $6k or more for an Audio Aero Capitole for the garage!

How about something under $1k new or used?

Any used Resolution Audio CD 50 or CD 55

I love the Theta Digital Miles. Especially the balanced version. Should be available for around $1200 used. Beware though, they are discontinued. Also, they use the discontinued Pioneer stable platter mechanism. All this aside they sound fantastic.

Check Upscaleaudio.com, and get an Ah! Tjoeb 4000. Transformed my system. $579.00 new. Lots of great tweaks and a clear upgrade path.