What's the "worst" cdp for the money?

"Linn Genki. Never heard it myself."

I think this statement pretty much sums up the value of the opinion. I've owned a Genki, as well as other CDPs. For the price on the used market it is anything but a POS. I will grant it is laid back, and, if I may be sloppy in my audio shorthand, it has an analog quality. If you like forward presentations and over emphasis on the attack of notes rather than their whole consistency it is not going to please you. But it is very musical to my ear considering the price range.

"IMHO law of diminishing returns kick in much quicker when it comes to cd players, the difference between a $500 cd player and a $5000 cd player is not very big, unlike speakers or turntables. I personally don't see any merit in purchasing a cd player costing more than $2000."

Yes, and NO(!!). I do think there is a greater difference in quality of analog reproduction at this price differential than with digital, but the difference is still huge with digital.