I took a similar approach to that chosen by 914nut -- I purchased a Dodson DA-217 MkIID processor here on AudiogoN, hooked it up to my Denon DCD-1650AR CD player, and got a big improvement in a hurry. I only listen to classical music (instrumental, chamber, and orchestral), which is much better represented on redbook than on SACD. My experience indicates that a high-quality DAC can have a big impact on the sound obtainable from CDs, provided that the rest of your system is of high-enough quality to allow you to hear the difference.
Good luck!
Good luck!