I relied on the favorable reviews by pundits of the Cambridge D500SE. As for me, what you described as "casual listening" and decry is the only test which is worth anything to me. Nevertheless, using the same CDs for a comparison where the only variable is the CDP seems to me to be a pretty good test.
"Blowsy, loose bass ..." I could have added out-of-control sounding bass, but I assure you, that had nothing to do with my speakers. As to the quality of the speakers I used for that test, I used my favorites, a pair of gorgeous cherry M3Tis, (I've since retired them and use another though Axiom made speaker), and an 8" Velodyne subwoofer which is capable of tight and musical bass. I can casually report that the combination of the M3s and Velodyne is very musical and pleasing.
I got my Ah! from Upscale Audio, very nice folks:
http://www.upscaleaudio.com/
G'luck!!
