Denon D-M33s seems to be a cut above for a shelf system. Seems like I remember reading somewhere that Mission is no longer supplying the speakers, but I'm really not sure.

NAD was making a little CD system called the L40, but I'm sure it is a little closer to $500.00 without speakers. However, the little Polk R-15 is just under $100.00 bucks a pair and would put you just slightly over budget for a significant increase in sound quality.

NAD L53...newer model

Polk R15

I have two recommendations:

Tivoli PAL with a digital device (iPod/CD Player/Computer), it has a tuner included.

If you want more sound I recommend checking out the logitech Z-2200 or Z-5500, they are great computer speaker systems, the Z-5500 has a remote and can handle mutiple inputs.

Hope that helps!

I've never listened to anything other than single disc players so I'll have to defer to someone else when it comes to multi-disc players. I have listened to a lot of budget players and use a Marantz 67se in my office system.

As far as the R15's are concerned, I've listened to them extensively and really like them for the price. They image very well and reproduce down to about 60hz if not pushed too hard. If you intend to play loud, they can handle the power, but they lose focus and coherence at moderately high levels...typical of small cabinets.

Also, the tweeter axis is particularly finicky and needs to be well above the ears or else they lose resolution.

In short, for an office or bedroom system they perform very well at moderate levels and can dig deeper than their size suggests. They are also sensitive and amp friendly @ 89db and 8 ohm with nice binding posts and front ported. Cherry or black finishes.

The L53 is a receiver/CD player all rolled into one. You're not only paying for a CD player, you are also getting nice amplification and tuning ability...and a remote!

Cambridge Audio, NAD, Rotel, Marantz all offer entry level players starting around $200.00 bucks. If you tend to listen to more accoustic material or classical music, I would suggest giving Marantz or NAD an audition. If you prefer rock or pop, I would lean more toward the Cambridge or Rotel brands. The Cambridge Audio D500SE runs around $300.00 and works well with a wide range of music. The D500 a little less so, but also cheaper at around $200.00.

If you are willing to consider used players, you can get about 50% off retail by buying used players on ebay. A little less so through Audiogon. Some are very slightly used and I would stick with players manufactured over the last 3 or 4 years.

Would you mind offering up what you are going to be using for amplification?

My previous posts are indeed assuming a stand alone system as opposed to using your computer as a source. I wouldn't attempt to offer any advice concerning computer audio as I have zero experience with the format.