If you have a $2K budget, and a $1300 dac that can be resold for ~$900, why not opt for the Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 3D CD player, for about $3K used, which is a world class cd player. It shares the same dac, and in turn many of the sonic characteristics of the MF A3 24 dac, but has a bigger power supply, the wonderful nuvistor tubes, a solid transport built ing, but one less upsampling crystal. You get this without the extra cost of cables and shelf space and you'll get a more aesthetically pleasing player as well. Just a thought, and I'm sure a $2K transport with that dac would sound amazing as well, but can't suggest any as you're out of my price/research range. Good luck!
