IMO, I think you will have to look hard to beat the value of the Oppo 105D. They can be had for around $1,000. Use the other $500 to buy some more discs. Another good choice would be a Sony 5400ES. You can find them for somewhere around $1,000.
Your experience/thought on best sounding SACD/CD Player for 1,500 or less
My current players are a bit old and am considering a new SACD/CD player. I have much invested in discs and want to be able to get the best from them that I can afford. Not that it matters, but I listen most to female vocals and Jazz from the 50s through the 70s. I prefer electronics with discreet transistors rather than I.C. chips. Thanks