Cambridge or Music Hall??

I got my NAD C541i for $435, including shipping from California to Michigan. Between the Cambridge and Music Hall, I'd go with the Music Hall CD-25. It looked and sounded great (in a dealer's otherwise High-end system in his home). I was less impressed by a Cambridge in a similar context. My other favorite CD player for under $1000 (besides the NAD 541i) is a $700 Rotel (971 - haven't heard the 1070). I hope you'll be able to audition your prospective CD players for yourself. Each has its own, usually subtle, sonic differences.

If you have narrowed it down to two, then let your ears be the final judge. The Cambridge is helped a lot by a better power cord. Does not have to be an expensive one. They just give a pretty cheap one with the unit.

I think the planet sounds better than either of those players. These days Planets are going selling for $400 used. Another alternative is the Arcam cd72. To me it sounds better than the old planet. It's more detailed, but still has the fun sound of the old planet.

By the way. I was faced with the same choices you are. I thought I HAD to have a 24/96DAC, but that was before I listened to the three machines. I liked the Planet, but it was close.