TAS magazine raved about a Rotel player (I forget the number) that is only about $700 new. You should look into it as it held it's own pretty well against a $5500 Electrocompaniet player.
Music Hall cd-25 or Rega planet 2000
I'm looking to upgrade my current cd player, a sony cdp-315. After doing some research here I'm considering a used rega planet 2000 or a new music hall. Currently i'm listening exclusively on hd600's with a ASL mg otl mkIII by going direct from the player to the amp. music ranges from jazz->classic rock->independent artist