Best CD Player to drive a Power Amp direct?

Wow, I just got a pair of Aerius i's and for the
first time, running my Sony 707ES direct into my
Power amp sounds better than with a preamp. I
was completely dumb-founded.

So now I'm looking for a better CD Player and I'll
need one that has a variable output. I don't want
to with Wadia or Mark Levinson. Wadia seemed analytical
and very pricey. The Levinson has a horrible remote
and doesn't like CDRs. Are there any other good choices
under 2k new or used? A dac would be a perfect fix but
I need the variable output so that's kills that idea.

Thanks!!