downsize from ARC CD3 MKII to $1500 CDP happily?

If I were you I would seriously consider the tubed Raysonic cd 128. A new one may cost you a little bit more than $1500 but with a discount you can come close. In my system, The Raysonic is detailed and open, with solid firm bass and smooth extended highs. You can likely get a nice discount now. I highly recommend it as a player that punches in a higher weight class than is indicated by it's price. It has build quality, good but esoteric looks (if you like them), and excellent sonics. In other words, it competes with players that cost more than its price.

Check this link:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1209956156

Sorry this poor economy is stripping you of quality gear.

taking a haircut on selling audio is not advised...cut back elswhere if possible, or you'll just live with the angst of wanting to buy it back. there's nothing worse than selling in a strapped moment, and then loging to get it back.

some of these are already on my list...& some I hadn't thought of thanks

Buy a used ARC Dac3/2 for less than 1500 & a generic CDP as a transport...?

belcanto dac2 / oppo 980 dvd player
under a grand and since money matters this would prob be very tough combo to beat at 1500 standalone cdp