next CD Player

There has been lots of positive buzz about the Doge Model 6 CD player. It's
within your budget if purchased used.

I'd look into it.

Also, for $1500 you can buy a used Modwright Sony 999ES Platinum Signature.
It will surpass all CD players in your price range, IMO. Plus you get SACD and
DVD capability, and support from one of the best manufacturers in the
business.

Agree with the Saturn recommendation, if you must have another CD player, but I would also say that you are not going to get that much more quality in the digital world without spending a very large amount of money on a completely different type of set-up. I would keep the Apollo - that's what I use myself. The digital world is moving towards things like music servers - I have bought my last CD player, and I would suggest that you may have as well.

01-13-09: Learsfool
I would also say that you are not going to get that much more quality in the
digital world without spending a very large amount of money on a completely
different type of set-up.

I doubt you have ever heard a Modwright Sony 999ES Platinum with tube
power supply. Otherwise, you wouldn't have made this statement. About $1500
used (or less).

A resolving system will expose the benefits of a player like the Modwright. If
one's system is not highly resolving, then a lesser CD player will be perfectly
sufficient.

Hi Tvad - no, I have not heard the Modwright, nor the PrimaLuna tubed CD player, either, which I have also heard is great. These tubed players would be interesting to hear. I do, however, have very high efficiency speakers which are very revealing of any deficiencies in source components or material. I chose the Rega Apollo because of their efforts to make it sound as analog-like as possible, and it certainly does come closer to that than all of the other (non-tubed) CD player I have heard, including several that cost thousands more, hence the comment I made.

I just bought a used Cary 306/200 and I have the same amp as you do. For about 1500 used this cd player just makes the music right with the DK integrated. I was blown away by the Cary. I have used the Sony and the Berendsen CDP II and the Cary is in a different league. It makes you want to play music all day.

Good luck.