What is the most analog sounding CD player under $

Yoiu might like California Audio Labs. They made fantastic CD players. I still prefer mine to this day. I may take the plunge just to get into the newer formats but the Cal's sound great. They can be had most of the time under $500.

The Meridian is hard to beat for the money and performance. Can be a bit tempermental with reading discs sometimes.

This Resolution Audio CD-50fits your requirements. I don't know the seller but do own one. Yeah we all recommend the item we own bur I've had mine for years now. Can't find better, and I have tried.

Sony XA5400es
Like a modern CD Player/Turntable

Would the 5400 be much different then the SCD XA777ES?? keith