Which sub $2k CD player would you recommend?

I know this is an older player, but I love the sound of the Meridian 508.24.

The Sony scd-1 I had sounded very good with the vsei mods it had, but was way too much of a pain in the butt for me to keep. It had read error problems soon after I bought it (used). It was repaired and within 3 years the same problems occured. If the machine is modded Sony won't touch it. Sony no longer has the sled motor for the scd-1. Also, Sony seems to only have one repair center left (in Texas), so repairs could take a while. I replaced mine with a Northstar transport and Northstar Extremo DAC. It sounds better than the scd-1 did (with the vsei mods)!