badchamp,
the consonance sounds like a very good option. is the one in the picture the one you say has these characteristics? Any idea where i can get an audition of this cd player in London?
crobo,
excelent to know that. especially since you use the same amp as me. very valuable info. i tend to avoid MF gear new because they lose a lot of value as MF keeps releasing new kit. still, they are pretty good. i was thinking of auditioning perhaps the A3.2 as it pairs with the amp (or maybe even the older A3 if the difference isnt that great). this is if i can't find what i am looking for. i wonder if the differences between a player at this level and one like the CD2 will be that significant... law of diminishing returns i guess... i have to find out if it is indeed worth the extra money...
This is especially true as I am getting more and more into vinyl and perhaps i'll spend less on the digital front-end and leave a bit more for the analogue side of things... this is what has been playing in my mind recently...
SteveC thanks that's a really good point.
Dynamic Turtle I absolutely love the speakers, they are just amazing. I have a Rel Strata III backing them up for the lower freqs and I can't really see myself moving away from this setup.
Thanks for the tip on the Maestro. I'll dig some more on it.
And it is not just the S500 that seems virtually impossible to find. Bel Canto DAC2, Benchmark DAC1 (missed Lefty's one), ARC CD2, Electrocompaniet, 508.24... can't find any of them. Neither can I find a spacedeck for sale in the classifieds...
Still, I will persevere...

Cheers everyone for your invaluable help.
Jack