I agree with Budrew, especially his comment that the differences in players tend to be subtle.
If you want a warmish, musical CD player that can be had for less than $3,000 used (the original version listed for $5,000), the Audio Research CD-3 would be a safe purchase (I chose it to be the CD player in my main system). Only caveat is that it loads from the top, so you need a good four inches at a minimum above the player to permit loading.
Remember that CD players are computers and that, like all computers, the newer designs tend to give you more for your money. I sold my Levinson 37 / 360s combo (a circa 1997 design) for the much newer, much cheaper, slightly better-sounding Audio Research CD3 (2001-2002 design).
You need to make sure your CD player is well broken in (this cannot be overemphasized) and to leave it on 24/7 (this absolutely cannot be overemphasized).
Good luck
If you want a warmish, musical CD player that can be had for less than $3,000 used (the original version listed for $5,000), the Audio Research CD-3 would be a safe purchase (I chose it to be the CD player in my main system). Only caveat is that it loads from the top, so you need a good four inches at a minimum above the player to permit loading.
Remember that CD players are computers and that, like all computers, the newer designs tend to give you more for your money. I sold my Levinson 37 / 360s combo (a circa 1997 design) for the much newer, much cheaper, slightly better-sounding Audio Research CD3 (2001-2002 design).
You need to make sure your CD player is well broken in (this cannot be overemphasized) and to leave it on 24/7 (this absolutely cannot be overemphasized).
Good luck