What are some of the contenders in the under $1k range new? Just stick with Sony?

I had an older (late 90's) Onkyo 6-CD changer that had decent sound. Built like a tank. I have no experience with sony multi-CDs though...

Sony is pretty much it unless you can find a modded one.

Marantz has some changers that are still in production.

Looks like Sony or Marantz. Its a gift for my sister. Dont really want to get used, but didnt realize the new production changers was such a slim market. Thanks for the help.

There's probably a bunch of 'em you can still get "NOS" -- Denon, Onkyo, etc. I seem to remember there was one that was an (otherwise) universal player, but if it's just CD's you're worried about, I've been so happy with my old SCD-CE595, that I bought a spare. Not built like a tank, but lasted surprisingly long.

I still have a Marantz from the mid-nineties. Still works like a charm. As you might expect, most players are going to be voiced like their company brethren, so choose wisely.