friend is looking for good $800-$1200 cd player

Ah! Njoe Tjoeb 4000 from Upscale Audion is under $1000 with all options. Don't just take my word - do a search and read the reviews. It's a stunning player.

jd

I'd second Mcfavre4. I use a Plinius 8150 with a Linn Ikemi and had B&W Matrix 803s until recently. Joel

No need to spend $800. your friend can get Nad 541i or Cambridge D500SE for much less with great performance and functions.

If you go with Marakanetz suggestion, then also get a better after market power cord, especially for the D500SE. Makes a big difference over the cheap cord they give you in the box.

1) Add a Bel Canto DAC 1.0, 1.1 or 2.0. These seem to be a little more indiscriminant about the transport than most.
2) Buy a new 999ES with a few mods from www.modwright.com.
3) Buy a used Sony XA7ES or a used Resolution Audio CD50. These can direct drive an amp and the sony's have volume control on the remote. Don't remember about the CD50.
4) Ah Tjoeb's are very nice too.

I'd try a BC first.