I am using the Denon DCD-1650AR CD player as a transport. It is solidly built, has a nice user interface, and has been trouble-free, playing every commercial CD that I have loaded into it. Adding a Harmonic Tech Magic Digital One 1.5-meter RCA cable and a Dodson DA-217MkIID DAC to the Denon turned it into a 24/768 front end. The Denon new is only $1K, and can be had on AudiogoN for under $500.
Good luck!
Good luck!