Best setup for Totem Arros...

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

i usr electrocompaniet 120wpc ss amp with tad 150 sig tube preamp. i would get some juice with them and a cdp with variable output as a intermeddiate step so you can afford the tube preamp later as an upgrade path.