I agree with chesseroo
I use a JVC dvd player, hooked through fiber optic to a Denon receiver. The Denon does all the decoding. I doubt a 2000$ player hooked through an optical connection would send a light signal with crisper highs, smoother midrange, and more authoritative bass.
If you want to use a seperate CD player using the players' internal decoder, then you have to audition.
I would recommend NAD. They make some very good equipment. As for the Cambridge, I can't say for sure. I doubt my audition sounded as terrible as that, but it was so long ago I won't make a judgement call.
good luck!
