Can’t say which to go for, but am adding my 2¢ in hopes of following this thread.
I shudder every time I see/hear someone suggest buying used. A couple years ago I bought a used Sony DVP-S9000ES after reading several complimentary reviews. Unit was being cleared out by a vintage shop going out of business, so it was “as-is” but fortunately not very expensive. Had limited ability to test at the store, but did determine that it would load, play and eject standard discs.
Got it home, only to discover that it wouldn’t recognize or play SACDs, regardless of hybrid or single-layer. Several people more knowledgeable than me suggested the problem was likely the laser, which is harder to find than a unicorn. It’s currently serving as one of those aforementioned boat anchors.
Anyway, I’ve seen good reviews of the Marantz K-1 Ruby, Yamaha, Denon and an Arcam that I think was in the $1200-1600 range. Best of luck, and I’ll enjoy following others responses and thoughts.