My vote goes for Marantz CD-17MKII. Can be had cheap on used market. Very nice sounding, extremely well built and beautiful looking machine. Also very reliable with Philips WAM 1201 transport that is cheap and easy to replace if needed. Uses same highly musical DAC 7 as higher Marantzes.
As for Arcam I suggest FMJ CD23 that uses same Ring-DAC as $$$ dCS Elgar. Arcam is not so good looking as Marantz but sound is also extremely good. Marantz bit warmer tonaly better sounding, Arcam bit more resolution.
I don`t suggest not FMJ Arcam units. These are dull and lifeless sounding. Same sound you can get for cheapo dvd player.
As for Arcam I suggest FMJ CD23 that uses same Ring-DAC as $$$ dCS Elgar. Arcam is not so good looking as Marantz but sound is also extremely good. Marantz bit warmer tonaly better sounding, Arcam bit more resolution.
I don`t suggest not FMJ Arcam units. These are dull and lifeless sounding. Same sound you can get for cheapo dvd player.