I' am just about to get new equipment and got lost. The AV should be good in classical music too. Regarding Speakers (5.1) I looking in the direction of systems like the Linn Classic Unik/Afekt combination. The DVD player should be in the range between 500-800$. Is it worth it going for the more expensive Arcam or are the Yamaha or Denon "good enough"?
I have had Yamaha and NAD receivers. I now have an ARCAM AVR300. The Arcam blows the others out of the water. The sound quality is unreal - warm, smooth, very open, detailed and musical.
Is it worth the difference in dollars? In my opinion - if you can afford it - yes. I suggest however that you do a side by side test -- you will hear the difference.