I own a Pro-Ject CD Box S ($499 new) that has been utilized in several different systems over time. It is musical, built very solidly, and reliable. Although well under your targeted budget, I would humbly suggest not leaving it out of the potential mix.
Small Form-Factor CD Player/Transport
I'm looking to see what's out there (and available in the US) as far as smaller CD units are concerned. Transport or Player, preferably front-loading, in that c.$1000USD range. Here's a short list of what I've stumbled across, thus far:
- Pro-Ject CD Box DS*
- Teac PD-301-X
- Rega Apollo (but this is top-load, unfortunately)