I had a CAL Icon mk2 with no mods for a while. I didn't care for its soft presentation and lack of transparency. My Audio Aero Prima mk2 was significantly better in all aspects IMO and I absolutely recommend you give one a try.
Try one of the original Sony Playstations with RCA audio outputs. It puts to shame most stand-alone CD players. Ebay price: $15 + shipping. It sounds silly, but I have compared the sound of this with some nice Wadia, Naim, and SACD players, and it is as good or better than most.
I second the Audio Aero Prima - excellent player and the best value at that price IMO. Try to get one of the newer ones with Sony transport so that part availability won't be an issue. The Prima captures the texture of instruments and voices better than any other player I heard so far (which includes Rega Planet, Linn Genki, Unison CD, and others).
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