I have a pretty entry level music / AV setup right now consisting of a Yamaha RX-V440 reciever, Paradigm Esprit v3 speakers and a Pioneer DVD-353 player. I got this system together very recently, but now that I have a taste of good sound, I am already craving for more... I decided that I will keep my existing gears for the HT system while I systematically build up a good quality stereo system.

The first piece of gear I would like to purchase for my future high end system is a CD player. Seems like a good place to start my upgrade since the Pioneer DVD player just dosen't sound very good musically. Can anyone recommand a good CD players in the $1000 - $1200(canadian) range?

I am also open to the idea of a good second hand player. If I can assume that the price of a good second hand player = 50 - 70% of suggested retail price, can anyone recommand a good player that sells for under $2000 canadian a couple of years back?