I cannot imagine any reasonably priced SACD player in any way approaching what you are hearing out of redbook CDs on the MBL combo you have. If you just want to fool around with SACDs to see what it's all about, I suggest a used Sony XA-9000ES SACD player. The redbook isn't all that good, but at least it will give you somewhat of a reasonable rendition of SACD sound. I also see an XA 777 up for sale, which is another good SACD player. Given that you are used to the sound of your MBL, I think going any cheaper on an SACD player would just be a waste of time and expense for you.
Do I need a special DAC for SACD ?
Sorry for the newbee question but I have the MBL 1531 transport and 1511 DAC- If I want to get into SACD can I just get a transport and use the 1511 DAC?? If so any suggestions for a reasonably priced used transport to play my SACD's= Does the quality of the player matter or is it the dac- For example I have a Pioneer 59 universal player that I could use???- thanks,K