I have one room. I want good 2 channel music - based on what I have read on the net, I would be looking in the entry level Arcam/Rotel/NAD/Cambridge vein. Others in the house want a surround sound movie experience.
With total budget of about $4K give or take, can you split this into two separate systems. Get an integrated amp plus CDP plus decent speakers for 2 channel. And, then get a receiver and a home theatre speaker package. I already have a decent DVD player and VCR.
I like the idea of separate upgrade path for 2 channel as time goes on.