CDP or universal?

I am looking for a player to complete a nice though modest system consisting of a Blue Circle cs int. and a pair of Tetra 120u's- I am considering the new CEC 3300r or maybe the Rega apollo but starting thinking about getting a universal instead if there is one in my price range (500-700 new or used) that will most importantly sound good with redbook cd's and also that isn't annoying to use: I don't want to have to use the remote to jump to the next track or to guess which track I'm hearing.
I've heard good things about the Oppo (and than maybe I'd add a Scott Nixon tube dac on) or the Denon 955s which can be had for around $300-
I'd be very grateful for feedback.