CD player for a warm system

I also have an old 880. Really heavy-duty tranpsport. I love the ergonomics and looks. I do mods, so I modded it. It is a lot better as a transport now, but I would not use it as a player. Pretty bad by todays standards. Even modded transports such as the Sony DVP-S7700 are much much better. I realized that the 880 does not compete with newer modded units. It is relegated to my bedroom system.

If you want something that sounds good off-the-shelf and is not too expensive, I would recommend a used Sony DVP-S9000es. At least this one is a good one to mod. If you want SACD, then the choice is the Philips 963 at $400. If you want to spend more money and get universal player, the Denon 2900.

or also the new Music Hall units,,some are being upgraded with better op-amps and stuff...

I have a Philips CD880 that does not work. I recently sent it to Philips and they reported the parts are no longer available. The electronics seem to work but the display does not show any cd movement (no track info). It is probably the laser or transport. I have no use for this unit. Does anyone want it? Just pay shipping.
email directly to rodrnr@email.com

Look at the Rotel players---somewhat forward with plenty of punch.

The broken CD880 is sold. Someone from this forum contacted me and it has been put to good use.

I replaced the CD880 with a Philips DVD963SA which is also a very warm sound and very quiet audio circuitry. It tracks well and has good clean picture. I am very happy with it.