Hi Stuart
Always fancied owning a transport only machine. Preferably one that doesn't use a VAM 1201/1202 mechanism. Not what I would say, is a good transport mechanism! But that's just my opinion. I use to own a Sony 502 ES......a cracking machine.....still in service now' one of my daughter's still uses it', Shame it didn't have a any digital outputs. Another daughter has my old Technics SL-PS770A and it's never skipped a beat!
I would consider a CD player but it all depends on the mechanism that's in place.
Best regards
Ray