I've snubbed high-end but old CDP models here in Davao these past few years, but with the experiences you're sharing, I'm going back hunting for those machines. Who knows, they may have new optical lenses since I remember back in '85 when I first got my first Sony CDP, the manual said the optical lens was good only from 5 to 10 years on normal use. That was first-generation CDP lens, of course. I've actually seen mid-80s top of the line CDPs here made by Sony, Technics and Yamaha. Kung may katulong akong mag-aararo dito, I might find them buried somewhere.
Also among the Jap commercial brands, Sony is really the best with respect to CDPs (didn't they develop the CD?). Just like Sansui and Luxman for amps, Nakamichi for cassette tape players, and Micro Seiki and Denon for records decks (Technics was more of a generalist, although famous for its DD turntables, until DJs who can hardly be described as audiophiles decided the SL1200 is best for scratching, not playing, vinyls).