Bruce - You might want to check out the forums at http://www.audioaficionado.org/manufacturers-forums/ if you have not already done that. There is an active ARC forum there with lots of ARC owners.
Audio Research CD6
I have been following an ARC CDP upgrade path for some years. CD2, CD3, CD3mkll, and currently CD5. I was excited to see upcoming CD6 until I saw the price and realized it has many features that are of no use to me. I was used to the slight price increase and nice improvement in performance, not this 50% increase and philosophy change. No complaints, it's their company and I'm still happy with CD5. I am curious though in what directions former ARC CD Player users are looking now that the former ARC upgrade path is no longer available. Thanks.