CD Player Suggestions under $ 500

My Marantz was the first CD player I ever owned that sounded noticeably and immediately smoother and more musical. That's saying a lot for a $600 retail product. Second place definitely goes to NAD, followed close behind by the Yamaha.

Sony had some universal players in the $400 range but the weak point was the DAC.  If you have an external DAC you like then it would add SACD and Blu Ray to the party 

I have been using the Marantz cd 6006 for a few years now and no complaints it has never failed me. However members here pointed out it is the weak link in my system and should be upscaled. My system sounds real nice with this CD player. As a 78 yr old with hearing issues I doubt an upgrade would be noticeable for me.  

i hope the porsche guy found his cd player.   it's only been 7 yrs.