Help with CD player

get a planet 2000 model. worlds better than the original, and better than the 971.

I think the audio refinement complete is a nice choice in this price range....very musical.

The Planet 2000 is a good choice,The Complete is a nice player.I heard it with some Silverline Sonatas.The Planet 2000 is better.Its worth the strech.

I have not heard the Planet 2000 but I'm always amazed how well my original Planet holds its own when compared against other (pricier) units I've tried.

Don't ignore auditioning any of the Arcam Alpha series of CD players, if you get a chance. I think they are as musical as the Rega models, but with slightly more detail, and slightly more control in the bass.
You should be able to pick up a few of the models for less than $600 used.