Cd Player Suggestions

When I read your original post, my initial reaction was to recommend an amp upgrade over the cd upgrade.

When I had a HT rig with Aerial 7b's, cc3 & their surrounds, I paired with a Sunfire 5 channel amp. Great value, smooth balance and incredible power reserves. You can probably get one used for a low price, and readdress the cd issue afterwards. You won't lose any money trying it. People have widely varying opinions about Bob Carver, but his Sunfire gear is great for HT applications, and would probably be a nice fit for you here. Cheers,
Spencer

This: (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1231208697&/Balanced-Audio-VK-D5-BAT) Install some NOS Siemens 7308/E188CC or Amperex tubes, and you'll be in musical heaven. I've got NOS, early 60's Siemens CCa's in mine, and it's hard to end every listening session. This unit will more than justify further system upgrades as well(any improvements you make to the system will be VERY obvious).

Two thoughts - one on the CD and one on the amp. Obviously my recommendations are HIGHLY influenced by what I have, but in this case that may not be all bad. I too had an Arcam (and still have an Arcam MCD 6 disk changer).

Amp first - because I agree with the thought to first look at that upgrade to higher power. I have an EAD PowerMaster 2000 which is truly incredible. It is built like a tank and has more than enough (WAY more than enough) power - and even more with the 20 am upgrade - to mate well with your speakers. I've had this for almost 4 years and I've given no thought to upgrading (other tham to Lamm's to mate better with my Lamm L1 for stereo)

CD Player - I use both the Arcam CD Changer mated to an EAD TheaterMaster Pre-Pro and an Electrocompaniet EMC-1UP mated to the Lamm L1. Both are powered by the EAD PowerMaster and I can tell you that for some serious "get into the music" listening the Electrocompanient, Lamm, EAD combination is stunning as compared to the Arcam, EAD, EAD combination. This is not to say that the Arcam is bad but it is definitely more analytical and less involving.

Obviously I'm not comparing apples to apples because the Lamm is in another league compared to the EAD pre-pro. But I have hooked up both CDs to the Lamm to do some mild A/B testing and the warm analog-like (to use an overused cliche) sound of the Electrocompaniet may be your ticket

Regardless, I would go amp first.

Good luck

If I go with a new amp vs. a cd player. What 3 or 5 channel amps should i look at. Would i benefit by adding a DAC to my arcam? If so what DACs should i look at. What are some of the benefits i may get by adding a DAC ?
I really appreciate everyones input. Sometimes the high end market can get pretty confusing. Thanks All

Lexicon RT-20, excellent CD sound from this universal player.
I use MIT cables with mine. Very happy.