Thanks all. Much to consider. I'll update when I reach a decision but feel free to continue to leave suggestions.
To throw out another consideration: My CD player is a Simaudio 340D. One reason I considered a separate DAC is to use it as an external DAC for the CD player as well. But I don't really know just how good the internal DAC is in the Simaudio or what would be a good upgrade. I suspect the Simaudio would pretty decent used just as a transport but again I don't know for sure as I haven't kept up with such things in quite some time.