You said that you wanted to upgrade the integrated amplifier and did not wish to go with preamp/amp.I would suggest you get one of the following: Rowland Concentra I or II,Gryphon Tabu Century,Gryphon 2100 or 2200,YBA Passion Integre.Do not stay in the middle,no source will help you achieve a good sound if you do.Then try different players and judge them accordingly.In the beginning this may sound like a waist of money but in the long term,I think,you will be pleased.CD-players come and go,good amplification stays.That's what I would do.