Considering getting a CD player (again). Used? New? Criteria?

Itsjustme I have certainly not ruled out streaming and in fact I am certain I will continue to do streaming. But I like the simplicity of playing CDs and I like the ability to play music without my computer. I am too much of a novice to have an opinion about the finer points of computer noise and that kind of thing, so I’m content to envision myself sitting and listening and reading liner notes, the way I used to. This would be in addition to streaming not instead of it.

I bought a  NAD C538 but I use an outboard dac though the dac in it isn't to bad. I just needed something to use occasionally I mostly stream. 

I also went through the same thing a year ago.  I do enjoy physical media...I feel like it engages me in the music more...since I have to get up and put the disk in and change disks.  I listen to more full albums that way and just enjoy the ritual of it...same as my TT.  I settled on a Marantz ND8006.  They can be had refurb for around $800.  But that includes a great DAC with USB input and HEOS Streaming (horrible interface, but the SQ is spectacular).  I moved my Node2i to another room because I liked streaming direct to the ND better. I would not hesitate to recommend the CD6006.  No streaming or additional DAC inputs, but I would imagine the CD mechanism is the same/similar.  NAD makes a couple of models in your price range as well.  Good luck and hope this helps.  

If, like me, you could get lucky and find a used Modwright either Sony, Oppo, Marantz, of Denon, at of near your price, you would have a really great sounding CD that you could use for a long time.  You will have the best chance of finding the Denon, Sony or Opportunity units used.  It will be the equal or better of extremely expensive machines--read that as ones over $3000 or more new.  I got a Modwright Sony 9000 used for $695 and was floored when I heard it.  I've had 2 different models of Modwright Sony since and I still use the MW Sony 5400.  It has a beautiful like analog sound together with very good dynamic ability and clarity.  The MW's have become a little more expensive and desirable on the used market in the past several years so finding one like I did will take some patience.  However, you will have a player that will take a backseat in sound to very few units and none at this price.  Dan Wright, the designer, stands behind his products even if you bought used from someone else.

Bob

I have an Onkyo C-7030. I think it's fine...more than fine considering it was under $200. It has an optical and coax digital out if you want to use a separate DAC. Thought about going for the slightly more $ Marantz machines, but I'm happy with the Onkyo.