The best sub $1000 cd player

Stan Warren modified Pioneer DVD 24/96 player. It is way under $1000, yet it is way up there sonically with the $3000+ "audiophile" players. (I know of many audiophiles that have $30k+ systems, that are using this particular unit in their front end! Obviously, these guys could afford a seriously expensive player, yet they are happy with the sound of Stan's modified unit).

I have a Stan Pioneer DV333. It does best most/all sub $1K players. It slightly bested my Rotel RCD990 ($1.5K list). I just picked up a Stan MSB Link DAC and Aiwa Changer combo from a friend of Stan's in Oregon. Assuming they demo out similar, the DV333 will probably go to the den system, so I can also play movies on the Sony TV in there.

Currently, I find myself choosing the Rega Planet over the Adcom GCD-750, which I chose over the Rotel 971. Of course interconnect makes a difference also. I'm currently using the Audioquest Turquoise with the Rega Planet.

I saw some Theta DSP Gen III used for sale. Will this DSP significantly improve my Sherwood 980?

Jack