AR CD3, CD5, or CD7?

It depends on how much you have to spend. The CD-7 is the best of the lot if you can afford it. Also, it would be the most expensive to maintain as it has tubes(5 I believe). The CD-3 mkII use to be ARC's top of the line player and probably would be the cheapest way to go and is a top notch player.

The CD7 actually uses (7) 6H30 tubes, so these would need to be replaced at sometime. The 6H30 Super Tubes have a projected lifespan of over 10,000 hours though.

I have heard the CD5 and the CD3MKII and really couldn't hear that much of a difference.

Also remember that all of these are TOP load players, so you will need to put it on top of your cabinet.

Any of these ARC models will treat you very well. Happy listening...

I have been using the CD3 MKII in an all ARC system for several years and am quite well satisfied. While my listening comparisons to the upper level ARC players reveals they have improved, nothing has yet convinced me to spend the extra $.

The CD3 MKII is very detailed and quite accurate across the board and is intimately listenable for hours on end. I play it and my TT about equally, and find some material better on one and other material better on the other. It is best to listen if possible to both in your system, however, we all know that is sometimes difficult or impossible.

I can't comment about the choice of ARC CD Models, but I can say that staying with ARC componets throughout the system will likely insure that the nasty hums and buzzes that plague many system will be minimized. I also feel that leading edge companies like ARC design their gear with certain sonic attributes in mind which may never be realized with a 'hodge-podge' of different componets.

As Eee3 stated, it all depends on your budget. I now use the CD7 and previously owned the CD3mkII. To me, and speaking only for its use in my system, there is a noticeable improvement across the board. Better tonality, clarity, rhythm, pace, dynamics, micro-detail, noise floor, etc. How much better, and how much that difference is worth, only you can decide. The CD3mkII is a great player, and for the money, is very tough to beat. With your system, I believe either player would provide great synergy.

By the way, your LS17 preamp is a real sleeper--definitely underrated and a great piece of gear. Happy listening.

If you can afford the CD-7, that's the way I suggest you go. I have one in my system and like it very much.