CD players in $2K range with balanced output

You should be able to find a BAT VKD5 player at the $2K price point used. Tube roll to your heart's content, balanced and single-ended outputs. Don't fear buying used.
Bigger bang-for-the-buck.

HDCD decoding is an added bonus.

I had this player for a long time, it's easy to listen to and hard to fault.

Best,

Paul :-)

Get a Gamut CD1R or CD1S or CD1 MK II, these are awesome out the balanced out but be prepared for 4volt output instead of a 2volt. Extremely underrated player that is wonderfully musical with very nice detail. Never Fatiguing

You want new, but if you are willing to go used, the Audio Research CD-3 can be had for +/-$2,000. It is said to sound particularly good when run balanced.

For whatever it's worth, here is the link to former Stereophile editor Wes Phillip's review:

http://www.onhifi.com/product/audioresearch_cd3.htm

I agree with Cytocycle that the Gamut is a superb player. I own the CD-1R and although you'd never guess from it's looks, it is state of the art. I put it against my Levinson 390S and it held it's own. A player I could live with for a long time. An excellent value.

Audio Aero Prima. A waiting list for these babies. They are that good. Two years with mine, and I'm, still, (amazing for me) grooving. peace, warren