upgrade rec from meridian 508.24

I owned a 508.24 years ago. Nice player. I've also owned lots of other similarly priced players. For the last 3 years I've been using a Rega Saturn-R and I've had no interest in replacing/upgrading it. It is a fantastic CD player. It is actually a CD Transport and seperate DAC built into a standard CD player sized enclosure. It is also top-loading, so it has a simplified mechanical system. If you even have any other digital sources, you can connect them to/through the DAC in the Saturn-R. I have an inexpensive Raspberry Pi based music server connected via USB to my Rega Saturn-R and the Rega's DAC does a really good job. I also have a BlueTooth receiver connected via toslink optical digital cable to the Rega and it also works/sounds great. You may not need the DAC functionality, but it's nice to be there, just in case and it does not detract, in any way, from the operation/functionality of the Saturn-R as just a stand-alone CD player.

I purchased mine used for $1500 three years ago. They are still a current production player for Rega ($2999 MSRP) and they still sell for about $1500 used (+/- $200).

The new Rega Planet supposedly a similar house sound to the Saturn-R, with just a little less sonic goodness at a much lower price.

Thanks for the comments.

Hoosier: haven't reached out recently but I think I will now and update here on results.

jason and reubert: thanks I'll check out reviews

also JC please update the repair shop results on your player when known. ty

@lewdis It's been over a week and no reply from the repair shop when I used the contact form on their website.  I will need to call.  Please let me know if you've made any progress.

@lewdis I wanted to follow up on the meridian repair. I spoke with Mark at The Repair Shop and he thinks the laser needs to be replaced and I agree. The player has been showing "No Disc" with increasing frequency.  Estimated cost is $500 plus shipping which I'm not sure I want to do at this point.  When the player is working it sounds incredible.  I am currently using it as a transport in the following configuration: Optical output via a Lifatec glass cable to Wyred4Sound Remedy reclocker, then digital coax output to my new Musetec DA-005 DAC.  It is so smooth, musical, black background, incredibly deep and wide soundstage that I hate risk losing what I have going.  I was contemplating getting the AudioLab 6000CDT but will wait until my Meridian totally craps out and then decide.  The laser replacement is not the same as the original I was told.  What did you end up doing?