This theater started with a B&K Components AVP-2000 processor and AV-5000 amp with decent results. The Upgrade Bug hit hard when I found a used, but excellent shape EAD TheaterMaster Ovation processor and PowerMaster 500 for only $2,700! I now have a fantastic preamp/proc. for both music and HT that is upgradable and sounds much smoother, musically cohesive and dynamic than the old B&K AVP2000. Not to mention adding DD, DTS, and HDCD! Unfortunately, my Sony DVD player is an early model that does not output a DTS signal, so I'm not able to listen in DTS yet. I absolutely love the CAL Icon MkII Power Boss CD Player - fantastic bass control and wide open sound. Also decodes HDCD. Some people have told me that the EAD PowerMaster 500 amp sounds better than the higher powered PM1000 and PM2000. I don't know because I haven't heard them, but many people are disappointed that the PM500 is discontinued. The B&W DM series speakers do an adequate job, but I think they are a little too laid back in combination with the EAD units, and I don't think I am hearing all the potential detail and depth that the EAD is capable of. The weakest link now would probably be the subwoofer (which was all I could afford at the time, but I have never been satisfied with it). Just got the ELCO DC-32 digital coax IC for $45 on Audiogon because it is discontinued (was previously $300). No comment yet until I break it in and give it a listen. The company says they discontinued it because the silver cable slowly oxidizes and gradually loses its sound quality over time, but that I should enjoy about 3 years of normal use before having to get a new cable. For $45, it has to be better than the Radio Shack digital coax I was temporarily using! The LAT International IC and speaker cables are a fantastic value and in my listening tests, I preferred them by a wide margin over Kimber 8TC, Tara RSC and some XLO cables I borrowed from the Cable Company. You would have a hard time beating the LATs at their price point!