My favorite vintage amp from ARC would be a D150, but that's the 70s. If you want something that sounds very good and has a lot of power and that fits in your price range, try a VT200MkI (the original, not the II). It has everything: deep, tight low end, open airy mids and highs, imaging, definition, texture, detail - and without being harsh/analytic. It's pretty big, heavy, and will give off some heat - but that's more or less par for high wpc tube amps. I bet you can find one in 8-9 condition for under 3500 and maybe for 3k.
Your PH5 is an excellent unit; it can bring out the best in a cartridge (if you get a chance to try a Shelter at the 901 or better level, it would be highly recommended). Your CD2 could give way to a CD3MkII and I think your CD collection would start to approach what you hear from your LPs.
Go ARC!
Your PH5 is an excellent unit; it can bring out the best in a cartridge (if you get a chance to try a Shelter at the 901 or better level, it would be highly recommended). Your CD2 could give way to a CD3MkII and I think your CD collection would start to approach what you hear from your LPs.
Go ARC!