Recommended CD player below 1.5K

I have been very pleased with my JAS Audio Musik 1.2 player. It has a tubed output stage with one 12AX7 in it and another tube is used in the rectifier. The player has HDCD too. The remote is solid and the buttons are easy to find. Sound is detailed without edge, refined and liquid and can be improved with the usual tweaks : footers, electrical isolation and a good power cord. Build is very solid; price is well over $1K but lower than your top limit.

http://www.questforsound.com/digital/dgtl_jasMusik.htm

If you are considering the Benchmark external DAC, IMHO you should also consider the Apogee Mini-DAC, at a similar price or slightly less. These two units do not sound the same and you may find you have a strong preference.

If you do go for a DAC, don't forget to budget for a good cable. There is a very good chance that a 1.5 meter digital interconnect will sound better than other lengths.

I highly recommend the Audio Aero Prima mk2 for about $1k used. I've had 12 CD players and this one is the best IMO.

The Benchmark DAC1 is very hifi - I found it too analytical and mechanical sounding to be natural. I recommend the Bel Canto DAC2 instead if you decide to go that route. In head-to-head comparisons, the Bel Canto is warmer and more musical. The better choice for you will ultimately depend on your tastes and the rest of your system, so keep that in mind.

Arthur

Tobias, does the JAS player have a coax digital output? I looked on the Quest for Sound website, but they didn't have output info.

There's a couple of threads that rave about the Cayin CD50T.
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1168613212&read&keyw&zzcayin+cd+50t

I have one and have no desire to upgrade (at the moment). You can pick one up used for half your budget and spend the rest in CDs!

The Benchmark DAC1 is very hifi - I found it too analytical and mechanical sounding to be natural.

Agreed. It is a precision engineering type product more at home in a studio. Only a few folks will enjoy or appreciate this kind of presentation. On some recordings you will become all to aware that the singer is singing into a microphone, which can be really irritating.