I took the SACD plunge a few years ago with the Maranzt SA10 (which I know is more than you said you wanted to spend) and I found that generally I love the sound of a good SACD more than I love the sound of the average red book. I have also found that as with red books, not all SACDs are created equal. But in general, to me with my player, I find the difference between red books and SACD is like drinking 2% low fat milk compared to drinking 1% or skim. (It's been a long long time since I've drank whole milk, so that's why I didn't use that in my analogy.)
Looking for a CD Player
I am in the process of replacing my Moon CD 5 CD Player --- or might be no reason to replace my present CD Player. The next CD player if purchased is probably going to be my last as I am a senior in age. My wife and I are tired of getting up and down and up and down did I mention up and down to listen to the other side of an album. So, we have a number of CDs and frankly like the ease of listening to them. Not wanting to purchase streaming music. Therefore, we / I need an education on two subjects - Do we need to have a DAC incorporated in the CD player and secondly do we need to have SACD capability?? Not wanting to spend more than 3000.00. All the help would be appreciated.