My next purchase will probably be a Mac Mini, or if I can hold out longer, the next gen Mac Mini or the rumored iTablet. Along with a Lilliput touch screen monitor for control from my seat.
I'm holding off on a pre-processor for now, until things are figured out with regards to HD audio delivery. Unfortunately, I'm afraid even once that's figured out, a decent pre-processor in my price range will require even more waiting.