The best CD Player for the money

I have a Sony CD Player, modified by Tube Research Labs (TRL), and could not be happier. It has a very palatable presentation, yet the resolution is amazing. The bass goes to beyond believable, yet is well controlled. The treble is natural and extended. The midrange is mind blowing. The imaging is mind blowing. And, the dynamics, both macro and micro are spooky good. I can not recommend TRL enough.

My advice is to contact Paul Weitzel at TRL. They have modified MANY brands/models of CD players. They say some lend themselves to improvement more than others. Don't be surprised if Paul recommends a very inexpensive player. You have him modify it, then you can take it up against your friend"s mega dollar players.

I picked up a Marantz DV6500 from ebay, and it was a nice buy.

I agree, Rega has always prided themselves for always making some of the best quality products for the money. That's why they are so successful and popular.
However, may I make one more recomendation. Arcam fmj.

The cheapest one you can find or???

Used Meridian 508.24 or the Marantz SA8004. I've had both, and both are outstanding. I've kept the SA8004 because it just slightly edged out the Meridian on Red Book CD, plus does SACD playback and I can tap into its DAC for my Squeezebox. One heckuva bargain!