My latest upgrade

NAD 514. Resolution is low compared to what I have come to appreciate, but it's sunny disposition was always appreciated. Available used for about $200.

The Bel Canto DAC/Pioneer DVD transport could be a good option. Used $1,000.

One I have never heard, but always heard good things about is the Resolution Audio CD50.

Not that you asked, but if a high resolution CD source is not super important to you, I think your $1,000 budget spent on the NAD 514, Zero autoformers www.zeroimpedance.com between amp and speakers, and Ganymede VCS roller bearings www.ganymusic.com under your source, would produce SERIOUSLY good results.

Add some ACME Audio cryo treated power outlets to my last recommendation for even better results and still stay under a $1,000. The NAD has a coaxial output for use with a stand alone DAC down the road.

Natalie, are you confident my suggestions would not net better sound than Steve spending his entire budget on a CDP?

Sounds like you made a great choice Steve. Natalie, I agree, the source is ultimately the most important part of the equation, but exceptional sound requires that a number of elements be optimized. The suggestions I made are applicable regardless of which source is chosen. The NAD 514 was a good choice simply because it is a really good performer at a very low price, allowing other beneficial systems components to be purchased within the given budget. I am fully pursuaded, from personal experience, that a $1,000 spent as I have suggested would yield superior results to spending the entire budget on the CDP.

Steve, I'm glad to hear the Ah! unit turned out to be a good choice. It's a great feeling when things come together. I'd encourage you to try some roller bearings underneath the player sometime. Perhaps Kevin Deal has tried this and could let you know what to expect.