More CD Player selection woes

I'd suggest you read a few reviews of the Marantz SA-11S1 or SA-11S2 and add those to the list of candidates. I find them to have a most pleasing sound that is easy on the ears in an analog-ish manner. Much more appealing to me than Cambridge's sound, although that's just my take on things. I'm not dissing Cambridge, I owned several of their players in years past and they are a good value (but not very reliable in my experience.) Cambridge "house" sound is rather analytical to my ears. The SA11S1 is showing up on this site used within your budget.

Given that you want your cd player to sound similar to your analog rig, I wonder if you'll be happy with a Cambridge. I've owned a couple higher end Grados and the Cambridge house sound is not at all like Grados warm and comfy sound. Given your preferences, perhaps you'd find a Rega Apollo to your liking. Not sure if the software glitches that affected the first batch of latest generation Apollos has been corrected though. Also, if the Marantz Sa11 is a bit too spendy, the SA 15 is a good substitute I'd sure consider, within your range at used prices. MusicDirect has them on sale, marked down from $2k to $1400. It could be argued that all cd players in the price range discussed add or subract something. To expect neutrality at the $1k price point isn't realistic IMO. The one thing that worries me about cd players imported from China is the possibility of losing long term repair support for them if the importer's market position changes. Some companies have been pretty well established and wouldn't worry me too much, but others??? Do your research. Cd players have been the most trouble prone product category for me by far, so I'm leary.