Time For a CD Player Upgrade

Buy an Audio Research Reference CD7   
.... it is in your price range and is an outstanding cd player.

@pindac You had mentioned..."A Local Audio Dealership is handling Jay's Audio, as said on another occasion, I am tempted to have a listen / comparison to my own CDT > DAC, but do not want to be a Tyre Kicker with the Businesses Time."

If you have a sincere interest in how the Jay's would sound and perform, I think the business would be delighted to let you listen to it.  How else would ever know if you liked it or not.  You might be surprised as to how much you like it and if so, you might share that positive experience with us on the forum and therefore generate more business for the business.

I think you should give it a try 

Best wishes,

Don

My two cents:  Late last year, I upgraded from an Oppo UDP-205 (which I've kept for Blu-Ray audio & video), to PS Audio's PerfectWave SACD Transport and their DirectStream DAC MK2.  I did so mainly to access the DSD layer of SACDs previously unavailable, through the I [squared] S output/input arrangement of the companion units.  

That feature is stunning, yielding DSD 64 playback that has been a pleasant surprise from The Doors catalog to many classical SACDs.  But the biggest surprise is CD playback, on par with the best-sounding SACDs in my collection.  

I don't really understand the technology, but PS Audio's "digital lens" is apparently the secret, a way of conveying the audio signal across a pathway independent of the hardware involved.  I doubt that's an adequate description; visiting their website is mandatory.

At $8000 + $7000, the combo isn't cheap, but PS Audio has one of the most generous trade-in programs I've ever seen.  Original MSRP for any component in resellable condition, no matter now old.  I've made some amazing deals with these people over the years.

Finally, full disclosure.  I'm completely unaffiliated with PS Audio other than being a thoroughly satisfied customer.

If I were you I would get a CDT/DAC combo such as CEC TL5 CDT (directly from Japan)/Gustard A26 or SMSL SUX DAC(directly from China) for less than $2000, instead of spending that much to upgrade your CDP... the S.Q. is far better than any CDP and offers its bluetooth convenience you can play Spotify via your iPhone or Galaxy phone besides playing your favorite CDs.

McIntosh MCD600. Makes music sound gorgeous. Also plays SACDs. And it has a preamp built-in so you can go directly to your amp or amps.

By taking my preamp out of the system I was rewarded with even more clarity of sound. Another veil that I wasn't aware of was lifted.

The directness, clarity and purity are breathtaking.

A used one is in your budget.

The volume control is a joy to use.

And so is the remote.

You won't be disappointed.