It may be difficult to find but T+A makes and incredible tube CDP, it may be out of your budget at $8k USD, not sure how the money translates. I am really impressed by there solid state players as well.

I have an entry level 1.1x Audio Note tube DAC that I feel is outstanding, I used, and preferred, it in place of a former Krell 280cd. The higher end AN players or DAC's I would imagine to be just as excellent in their range. I would really recommend a listen as their presentation was more natural than any digital I've heard. I prefer my current T+A over the AN, a bit more superior in the upper and lower extremes with more detail.

I had an older CJ DAC but have not heard any of their newer digital.

Again, I've only heard the solid state but a Musical Fidelity CDP really had some great synergy with my CJ gear. A friend brought his over to hook up. We were impressed by the result.

For what it's worth, a CJ dealer whom I highly respect says good things about Shanling CD players. He is a great distance so I have not heard the tube players yet.

In my humble opinion I do not feel Audio Research and CJ would mix at all, two different "house sounds". People seem to be in one camp or the other with these two brands.

I try to match sources to my CJ gear that embrace the CJ pace and musicality. Hope you keep us posted on units you try and ultimately what you end up with.