What high-end cdp for low-end quality CD's ?

There are other, more knowledgable folks that will likely respond to your post but I'm going to give you what little input I can. While you can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear or improve on the source, you may be too critical of your software because of your current CDP. For your sake I hope that is true.

I no longer spin the silver disks and that doesn't mean I'm anti-digital. Among the CDP's I've heard that have done a wonderful job on reasonably well engineered CD's are the Capitole and the Meitner gear. The latter is an incredible front end for the digital enthusiast. I didn't expect to hear such detail with all the subtle nuances and air between the players and without any detectable digital glare. To my ears it rivals very good analog. But, when one has such a player you tend to listen to software that is pretty darn good. I don't have any seat time listening to poor quality CD's as a guest listener.

The Wadia's are very highly regarded and have a loyal following. The Naim and Linn upper line CDP's are known for their analog sound. My hope is that your library is better than you believe and if your software was made after '91 or so, it's probably up to the task even if not of audiophile quality. I doubt very much however that any player will make a bad CD tolerable on a high end system.

Lugnut offers some good and thoughtful comments. I recently aquired an Audio Note CD 3.1x cd player that has really made a marked improvement in my system. Great detail, air, dynamics and superb bass all the while remaining smooth and rich sounding. I have a Blue Circle 21.1 preamp with NOS tubes that, to my ears, has some real synergy with the AN cd player. At a much lower price point, I think the Scott Nixon Tubedac+ with 3Xac power source and a good quality transport may suit your needs.

Get EQ.

The Audio Synthesis DAX Discrete handles less than stellar CD's with aplomb. You could purchase their Basic DAC with your budget. If you want a digital only system perhaps you could apply your preamp budget and go with the Variable model direct to your amp.