i find the upsampling CD players tend to have a more "round" sound. the rega apollo sounded mellow to me as well.
The Most "Analog" CD Player?
Came across this new CD player, which may finally end the eternal quest for the analog-sounding CD player.
https://www.amazon.com/Nad-C538-Compact-Disc-Player/dp/B079QGM6WX/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=...
https://www.amazon.com/Nad-C538-Compact-Disc-Player/dp/B079QGM6WX/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=...