Most Analogue-like sounding Player 2k or less

I have 3 suggestions for you. I had a hard time adjusting "upward" from my price range to yours :)

1. Sony SCD-333ES modded by Dan Wright. Unit sells for appx $400 new now, mods are also about $400.

2. Norh CD-1 tube output stage cd player. $799 shipped from Thailand. www.norh.com

3. Cary 303

i agree with maxgain on the ARC cd-2, it will get you closer to analog. sounded way better that the Linn Genki to me though you need to find it used to stay under $2k.

RESOLUTION AUDIO CD-55 (used)
YOU WILL LIKE IT

ML 39 not the new one.

c'mon, guys. you can not get sound from rebook cdp’s "like a top shelf turntable" for anywhere close to $2k. no way. no how. to provide a frame of reference, the latest of the top of the top shelf analogue systems i've auditioned: clearaudio "grand reference" tt, latest iteration of the souther/clearaudio tangential-tracking arm and clearaudio insider gold cartridge, played through aesthetix io and callisto, a pair of accuphase a-50v amps and avalon eidolon speakers, all wired together with tara, the one ic's and cables. to get roughly, very roughly, equivalent digital sound from cd’s is gonna' cost you at least $15k, msrp for a pre/dac (boulder 1012) and at least $7.5k for a compatible transport (several). for $2k, you'll get the sound, almost, of a $2k analogue frontend. -cfb