You could do a lot worse than look at a Meridian G series CDP or DVD player. But IIRC you need to check that the power supply has been replaced. Have a look on the Meridian Unplugged website for detail, and follow the link to ‘Duncan’s Meridian Info’. Or an earlier 508-24 but you would be wise to pick up a spare laser mech or two, if you went down that route. You can get all of these for much less than a grand in good nick.
Alternatively, I auditioned a second hand Krell at the £1200 mark (?) a while back and was very impressed especially with the bass but it wasn’t that much more impressive than my current Meridians (508-24 CDP and a 500 CDT plus DAC).
Separates Systems:
(1) Antipodes CX and EX, Matrix Audio X-Saber DSD, Meridian DSP7000 active speakers;
(2) Lumin D2, Cary CD-308 cdp, Quad 99 power amp, Horns 5degreeN*27 speakers;
(3) Homebrew PC with Onkyo Wavio SE200 soundcard running Daphile, Quad 44 and 405.2 into Dali Zensor 1s;
(4) Sooloos C15 plus storage, Braun A2, P1, CD3, C1 and T1 into Sonus Faber Concertos.
Integrated Home System:
Sony PS-X600, Naimnet NNT01 DAB Tuner; NS02 Server; NNP01/NNP02 room amplifiers; Netstreams switches, keypads, KEF Ci130QS/Soundlight speakers.