Best setup for Totem Arros...

I use a Mccormack DNA-1 Deluxe and a Sonic frontiers tube pre with excellent success. I also have a VTL IT-85 that I use, however I think the Arros are better with the solid state amplification. Although, my Hawks sound better with the VTL.

I'm using Totem Staff match with Rega Mira 3, the only thing I complain is brass is not fast and tight enough

PrimaLuna make's a solid unit. Thats a viable option.

The Rega Mira 3 and the Apollo is a flat out horrid match with the Staff / Arro. The Mira 3 doesn't have the cajones to control either speaker, and the Apollo will sound flat and lifeless on both. This is not a complete knock to Rega... they sound fine on other pieces of electronics (eg; Spendor). I would also stay clear of Jolida (sans the SJ-202) for similar reasons.

The NAIM suggests are solid. The CD5i is a wicked player for the money. I'd consider teaming up that player (or an afforcable Arcam unit) with the Vista Audio i84 tube integrated.

Other affordable solid matches include; The Blue Circle CS integrated, Red Wine Audio Signature 30 integrated, Unison Research Unico P integrated and the Manley Labs Stingray integrated.

Good luck!

Try these combinations:

Shanling CD-T80, and
Used Musical Fidelity A3.2 integrated amplifier (A3.5 if you can find it in your budget, or add used MF CDP too)
-spatial resolution will make Totem Arros disappear, among other good things

or

used Naim CD5(i), and
used Naim Nait integrated amp (any model you can find)
-boogie the night away

or

Marantz - SA8001 Super Audio CD Player
NAD C372 integrated amplifier
-plenty of resolution and power but still your friend, best all "new" gear combo within your budget

Demar, I've had the opposite experience as you. I preferred tubes with the Arro's, and solid state with the Hawks. Interesting.

The best system I put together with Arro's was with a Jolida 302b tube amp and a Music Hall CD25 CD player. You can get both of those used for $1000 total. The imaging is spectacular.

I also second Knownothing's list of high-value integrated amps and CD players that would combine well with the Arro's.

Good luck!

Michael