What CD-player or DAC should I get ?

naim cd5x- very musical

I wouldn't worry about any CD player being too much for my system--for my budget, yes, but not for my system. This is because every time I have heard a source upgraded in a system the improvement has been audible, and pleasing. The same has not been true for speakers, where a big improvement can mean you hear any weaknesses upstream.

With your gear I would go for a Shanling T100 or better. (Used Linn Ikemi? Haven't heard the new Linn CDP.) The two-box setup is not in itself better musically than the single-box approach, no matter what people say.

Shanling? Why not ARC if he has all the ARC. That would be the choice. in balance this would be a great combo. CD2, CD3 or CD3 MkII.

You could get a CD3MkII now and enjoy the difference it will make in your system. If, at a later date, you want to try an external DAC, you can use the CD3MkII as a high-quality transport .......

I think A hayman's idea is a good one. I can't believe how relatively low the prices are on the ARC CD3's.

Linn Ikemi!*>)