New SACD player-replacing current setup

I can vote in favor of the Marantz SA line. I use an SA8004 in my main system (and a Cambridge blue ray 651 in my HT set up). I've compared the Marantz and the Cambridge in my main system and the Marantz just seems more musical. I've upgraded everything in my main system over the past two years (except the B&K ref 220.2 amp which is next.) The Marantz has kept up with all of my upgrades--I heard improvements each step and don't feel the Marantz was ever the weak link. My system is the Marantz, a Nuforce mcp 18 preamp, the B&K amp, and Dali Mentor 6s. Nordost ICs and speaker cables. Never had the urge to upgrade the Marantz.

You could upgrade your CD/SACD player to something that sounds better. Looking at the rest of your system, though, your 3k could be put to better use. As it stands, your strongest component is your Model 3's, and your weakest is your preamp. With your budget, you should be able to find a good used Ayre K-5. That won't just give you better sound, it will transform your system. With an upgrade like that, your whole system will open up. You'll start to hear what your speakers are capable of. Also, you'll get more out of the cd players that you currently have.

+1, Zd542.
I have the Ayre K-5 and it most definitely transformed my system entirely, bringing out the best in every other component.

Don't worry about your preamp- the van alstine is fine! For me, I would purchase the best marantz I could.

van Alstine?
"....My system is the Marantz, a Nuforce mcp 18 preamp, the B&K amp, and Dali Mentor 6s. Nordost ICs and speaker cables...."