great site - first post for me so excuse the length but I have worked myself into a stupor trying to figure out a best value play as I'm remodeling my home and my AV system for a relatively small room (14 x 16) with a 10 foot ceiling and windows (not a dedicated HT room).
My current set up;
Misubishi 36" tube tv (top of the line in 1996 - to be upgraded soon),
Marantz SR 8000 AV Receiver
Acoustic Energy AE3 speakers
Velodyne DD-10 subwoofer
ADS rear surround and center channel speakers
Arcam CD Player (HDCD capable)
Marantz CD Recorder
Pioneer DV-444 DVD (with progressive scan)
Thorens turntable
I also just purchased a set of paradigm SA-35 in wall speakers for front and surround and will most likely pick up the compatable Paradigm center channel speaker. I have thoroughly insulated the walls for the in wall speaker system installation and I think they are as acoustically dead as possible. Though I love my AE3's I think the Paradigm SA-35's will be fine (3 driver 2-1/2 way, tweeter, 8" midrange, 8" bass) for a Denon 5803A and / or my Marantz AVR. I am very intrigued by the 5803A and have been reading the posts and reviews. I have listened to it (sounds awsome), love the idea of having everything in one box, am extremely close to buying one and even have what seem to be great prices ($3,500 - 3,600) from two retailers.
The problem is I still have lust in my heart for a Bryston amplifier and the 20 year warranty speaks volumes to me about reliability. I think my AE3's bi-wired would sound awsome with it , and I do not want to spend more $$$$ 5-6 years down the road if microprocessors crap out.
So my alternate plan is to keep my current set up and improve the Audio section significantly while maintaining my current Marantz / Paradigm AV processing section. For less money than I would pay for the Denon 5803A I could purchase a 3B SST, run it through my Marantz multi out mode to an Acurus Preamp I have, to the Bryston, to the Velodyne S/W with LFE inputs and bi-wired to my Acoustic Energy AE3's. I could switch back to the Marantz / Paradigm for watching DVD / Satellite - and use the same Marantz RC2000 MkII remote that I love for everything. When I boil it down the trade seems to be everything in one box with great (awsome) audio and Awsome AV features vs. a robust amplifier with probably better sound for audio and a decent AV receiver with an easy to use remote and two more boxes, and speakers.
again, so sorry about the long post - any guidance out there?
Thanks !!!