Need Recommendation on Best CD player under $1,000

I believe a used, modified player in the $1000-$1500 price range, from one of several respected modifiers will be more satisfying than an equally priced stock unit. Primarily, this is due to optimization of the player's performance through re-design of the power supply and output stage, and due to the use of higher quality parts.

Another option would be a used Sony DVP-S7700 DVD player used as a transport (about $150) and a new Paradisea+ DAC (about $650 including shipping).

The Jolida JD100 used at $600(Agon) is hybred unit with a tube output stage is a great player, add $250 for a great set of tubes and it will sing.

NAD T585

You said $1,000. If that number can be stretched it a bit, you can buy a new Doge 6 for roughly $1,500 delivered. Not be be pretentious, but a number of people with very high-end systems have purchased this player over the last year -- it is currently a hot player among insiders. It uses six tubes in a hot-rodded triode output stage. The same player, rebadged with the name "Lua", after the designer, is sold in Europe for 5,000 Euros. I bought one about six weeks ago and it is VERY good. My only knock is that the drawer and buttons on the front panel are cheap -- the build quality is otherwise high and it is a solid, beefy component. If you google "Doge 6", you will find the U.S. distributor, Pacific Valve (they are in Chicago).