How much should I spend on cd transport

Ever since I stepped up to seperates, I have been using the digital out of my Marantz CC65 cd changer to my Lexicon DC1 pre/pro. I have decided to re-arrange my system towards 2 channel. In doing this, I have realized I need a new pre/pro (may just buy Adcom's GFP750 and keep the lexicon for HT), and I also need a better cd player. In my research, I have found a few cd players I'd like, and am also interested in an external DAC (Music Fidelity's new DAC) for upsampling. With all this in mind, do I need to buy a $1k cd player since I may simply use it as a transport, or will a mid-fi changer be adequate?

Thanks.

Please make any brand recommendations you may have.