Tom,
I think the first thing you should do is consider using a different power supply with the SB2.
We compared different power supplies with a stock and modded SB2 this weekend. We used both analog outs direct to a pair of very good mono-blocks and digital outs to a modded Panasonic receiver.
In all cases we felt the sound quality improved using a linear supply.
We did hear a difference between the surplus Hosfelt supply talked about in the Lab Circle and the supply I build. There is also a over a $150.00 difference in cost.
Sending the unit to Vinnie for battery power mods is also an option.
There were audible differences between the stock and modded players with digital output.
You are the only one who can decide what sounds better in your system. I do not believe anyone else has youe exact mix of gear.
I change some of the caps in the power supply in the SB2 digital only mod. I replace the digital output connector with a WBT NextGen RCA. I reroute the digital signal path and I run the power to the digital buffer from a linear power regulator rather than the internal switcher. There are a few other things that are done to keep the noise level lower in the digital only mod. A Bybee purifier can also be added in the output signal line.
It is my personal opinion that once you hear what your music sounds like direct from your hard drive, you will want to sell your CD player
