For $500 check out the Theta Data or the Monarchy DT40. These are universal transports (play various sizes of CD's and LD's) and work extremely well. Both are based on high end Japanese players (Sony and Phillips, Japan) that were re-worked by their respective "manufacturers". Note that both are large, heavy pieces.
Transport Help
Now I've done it. I went and picked a used Aragon D2A which has imporved the sound but now I'm told my Rotel 970 is not the best as a transport. So now I'm looking for a good used transport for around $500. Any recommendations? Is there a difference in newer technology? Should a guy strech the budget to get something that much better? Any help is appreciated.