You may already have it or very close to it. The 980 has dual 20 bit Burr Brown DAC's and was rated as better than the Rotel 971?. However from what I've seen the Rega Planet consistantly is the winner of the sub $1k cdp's on this site.
BTW I too have the Sherwood Newcastle cd-980 and would be interested in your findings if you have a chance to a/b the 980 against a sub $1k player.
BTW I too have the Sherwood Newcastle cd-980 and would be interested in your findings if you have a chance to a/b the 980 against a sub $1k player.