Two things to consider, if you have an optical output on your CD player, you can use an external DAC for both and you will find he sound will likely improve for both. Second thing to think about is, are you migrating away from CDs. I have about 1500 CDs but every day I use my CD player less and less as I convert my files to digital. Why bother loading a CD when I can stream the same lossless files? I was going to get a new CD played until it occurred to me that in about two years, I will probably never listen to a CD again.

If you are not migrating away from CDs, then a new CD player is a great idea. I would probably get an Oppo if you have a visual interface because it has some networking functions that are particularly appealing. The BDP 103 is similar in quality to the Marantz while the BDP 105 is a step forward though it is quite a bit more expensive. The CD6005 is not UPnP or DLNA compliant so I don't believe it is compatible with a PC. You could plug in an external hard drive.

If you are migrating away from CDs, consider a network player instead. Marantz just introduced an NA6005 for $650. It has great functionality in that it works as an external DAC so you can run an optical cable from your CD player in the short term but is UPnP and DLNA compliant. It also supports Apples AirPlay and streams Spotify if you are into that. I have an older model, Marantz NA7004 and love it.

Alternatively, if you do opt just for a DAC, the Peachtree DAC iTx is awesome at $299. I can't say that I have ever heard the Musical Fidelity, but generally they make good stuff. The Cambridge DAC Magic is also supposed to be very good.

IMO you would be happy with a OPPO BDP-103, which does an amazing number of things and does them very very well.

Go to the OPPO website and look at all of the features and functions and you will be amazed.

It is a steal at $499!

OP:

Unless you have an absolutely MASSIVE collection of Compact Discs; of which I would be envious; I would gently nudge you in the direction of solidstate (files) instead of media-based listening.

The writing is on the wall...look at Apple Computer... the CD is going the way of the cassette. IMHO....though CD of course is much better quality..

But like I said, if you have a HUGE collection, it would be tedious probably to rip it all to files and I would then heartily recommend anything by Oppo.
If Entry Level DAC is your decision, I have personally owned the Musical Fidelity V90 and can attest it is an EXCELLENT start into the world of digital file based listening and/or also use the V90 with the optical output of existing CD Player; rendering it down to just a transport and upgrading its DAC to the V90...like another poster correctly commented. But don't take just one poster's word (mine) should you decide DAC, the V90 has received excellent reviews right here in Stereophile.

Either Way,

Enjoy the Music!

Ron

I have found out that for me, an early 90's high-end CD-player with a R-2R DAC, will reproduce better the CD format (16 bit, 44.1kHz SR) than any of the modern day DAC's. It's not about SNR or bit levels, to me it sounds like is a temporal smearing of the high frequency end.
I have a high end, newer DAC, capable of SACD (Denon DVD-3910) and although on paper the specs looks way better than my older CD player, I find myself going back over and over to the later one.

The Oppo BDP 103 has an App that allows you to control the unit via an App. I am not sure how well it works. It looks like it was buggy but they ironed some kinks out in the past few months. It is clear that you can access a media server and play media off of it. I am not sure how it integrates with Pandora. It absolutely requires you to have it connected via a network to use it. This means you have to have it hardwired via Ethernet or buy a wireless adapter. Like with Tivo, I would but an Oppo just to ensure compatibility.

Here is a link from Sound & Vision that explains why USB vs Ethernet
http://www.soundandvision.com/content/dac-connections-asynchronous-usb-input-vs-ethernet

My experience is that this is a bigger theoretical issue than practical issue. I have tested USB vs. Ethernet extensively largely because I had an issue with a particular router and its compatibility with AirPlay. In my testing, either my ears aren't sensitive enough to pick up a difference, my equipment isn't good enough to highlight the difference or there is no tangible, experiential difference. I know the asynchronous USB connection is technically better, but it far too inconvenient to have my computer tethered via a USB cord to my system for something that is rationally but not experientially superior.

One alternative would be to step up to the Marantz NA8005 available from Music Direct for $799. It has a superb, asynchronous USB connection and is a steal at that price.