Time For a CD Player Upgrade

I’d use the Rega as a transport and get a Denafrips Hermes DDC and run i2S from it into a Denafrips Pontus 15th DAC — both would only set you back $3200 and be a big improvement in the direction you’re looking to go.  Just one idea, and best of luck. 

I love my Meridians. They’ve depreciated a lot (fell out of vouge especially since the MQA thing), and you can get an 808v5 or v6 in you budget. They’re definitely not bright, and can hang with a good vinyl setup. As an added bonus they have digital inputs and can be used as a DAC. Their preamp functionality is pretty good, too.

@jayctoy Right on. I have had my Marantz SA.-KI Ruby SACD player since very soon after they were available for purchase.  Digital accuracy but with a detailed yet musical rightness.  In other words no digital glare due to upper midrange lower treble emphasis. Sounds as close to the sonic signature of good vinyl as I have yet heard from any digital source. It mates very well with Cardas Audio interconnects.

almost any moderately priced DAC will outperform the DAC in a CD player.  The DAC is the heart of the digital system so there is room for much research and choice.  I highly recommend a transport plus DAC.  

Look for a Oppo 2005 Modwright modded player or a Sony 5400 Modwright either with the Signature Truth mods.  It would have to be a used one now as Dan Wright is no longer doing the CD player mods.  He is still fixing any of his modded players if needed.  The sound is excellent in all ways and there are those of us who have done some extra things to bump the SQ up even more.  I've had Modwright Sony players since about 2010.  the ones I mentioned are the top of the line SQ wise.  If you're patient, one will come up a few times a year.  Either will be used at about $2700-$3700.  You can't do better in your price range for SQ.  

Bob