Oppo BDP 83E

Marantz SA 8003 (Stereophile Class A rated!)

Both around 800 bucks.

If you get either, remember you will need a TV to hook it up to to set the playbacks options, but then you disconnect it and it doesn't have to stay connected to a TV.

Rega Apollo can be had for under a grand. I always thought they were something special/different. Worth seeking out an audition.

Jolida JD100A for $950

check www.underwoodhifi.com on his sale page. It was under $800. I would sure consider the OPPO bluRay player SE model.

if willing to pay less, Marantz CD 5003 for $349.

Arcam always make some really great, no nonsense CD players.

If he has a DVD player already, I would just buy a Cambridge DAC Magic and everything he listens to or watches would sound better. The money you save could go for a pair of new, small Rega bookshelf speakers on sale off Audiogon for $389 a pair.

When people get older we need clarity more than "just more bass".

Ditto the Apollo- I own it and it's excellent, though I have not compared it to anything for a while.

Under your budget but I have been impressed with my Emotiva ERC-1 for $417 delivered with a 30-day trial period. You could buy one and if you don't like it returm it within 30-days and you are only out the shipping to return it.