You might consider contacting Great Northern Sound and discussing your wants/needs with them. Their first level upgrade runs $750, which is below your budget...just might get you where you want to go.
ARC CD-2, dac or player upgrade?
I've had an ARC CD-2 for years and although it is a very nice player, I was wondering whether an inexpensive newer dac or even a newer player altogether would be an improvement. Is there anything out there for <<$1000 new or used that would beat the ARC player? I would even consider a mod at this point. Thanks for your input.