Both my universal DVD player and my pre-pro went bad close together in time. I couldn't afford new, so I found an Arcam DV 139 player, and an Arcam AV 9 pre-pro for around $700 each. They have been doing a stellar job for months now, and are on a par sound-wise with the Primare SP 31 pre-pro and Esoteric DV 60 they replaced. They are of course used, but in pristine condition.
Look around, I'm sure you'll find something that works for you.
Regards,
Dan