I second Entrope above with regard to introducing a tube if you want to veer towards a richer sound. Re the 508.24, I owned one and a/b'd it against a Granite 657 tube player. I and all who heard the comparison preferred the Granite. It wasn't even close (which surprised me because I'd heard such good things about the Merdian). The Meridian sounded thin--clear, but cool and analytical (too much so)--compared to the Granite. The Granite's tube output likely was part of the reason. The Granite's more $$ than your budget, but I'd check into the recommendations above that have a tube output. Surely you'll find one that sounds rich without sacrificing detail.
