@jsbach1685
I have a similar amplifier, Musical Fidelity A300 paired with a forward sounding set of B&W 805 Matrix. I have used a Meridian 508 (20bit) unit in the past and it was very good -smooth and full bodied bass. But I didn't enjoy how finicky it was playing some CD-Rs. Eventually sold the 508.
I then came across a Meridian 596 DVD player, my plan was to use it as a transport with my Chord DAC. To my surprise, the Meridian 596 as a Red Book CD player was better sounding than my previous 508. I was even more surprised, when the 596 as a stand-alone sounded better than when hooked up to my Chord DAC. I now only use the DAC when streaming. The Meridian 596 is my dedicated stand- alone CD player.
Compared to my 508, the 596 is more detailed without sounding forward or fatiguing. 508 had more bloom and smoothness at the expense of detail. The 596 has both, smoothness and detail. Also the imaging is significantly better on the 596. More believable, precise imaging and also more expansive sound stage when the the recording calls for it. Classical piano (when recorded well) and orchestral music sound especially great.
Long story short. Meridian 596 is a killer, under the radar, stand alone CD player. Better than a 508 (at least in my system) and can more than hold it's own against modern DACs. Also will play anything you throw into it. The only downside, no balanced outs, only RCAs for analog.-Sean