ARC = What are the Golden Amps

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!

Hi
I believe your first priority should be the CD2, if you listen often to CDs.
Its sound quality leaves much to be desired as compared to a (used) CD7.

For years I used VT130 with Watt/Puppies. I doubt you will do better with any ARC from that period except for VT150 monoblocks. If you did not do the VT130 Infinicap factory upgrade, an equivalent upgrade to better coupling caps is well worthwhile-- or perhaps the Great Northern Sound mods.