Just to clarify my situation. None of my original equipment survives, so I am back to square one, building from scratch. There really isn't a set budget - once I decide what I want in a new system, I'll set an appropriate budget and start shopping.
I'm really trying to answer a more general question. In the "old days" I would get the best combination amp, pre-amp, tuner, cd player, phono (probably skipping that now due to DOA record collection), and pair of speakers I could afford. Lots and lots of options in products/quality/price, but, generally speaking, one architecture. Easy to upgrade one piece at a time.
Now, with HT, I don't know if that logic applies anymore. For example - I could build the system above and then have a completely seperate HT setup with a different architecture. This would maintain flexibility, provide good sound, but double or triple the cost. Or, I could just build a great HT system and also use it for music by turning the unused parts off. Or, there may be 50 other options out there. I feel lost, because I don't know what all the choices are.
And, I get more confused as I type 8-{ This must be why I lurk and don't post.
I'm really trying to answer a more general question. In the "old days" I would get the best combination amp, pre-amp, tuner, cd player, phono (probably skipping that now due to DOA record collection), and pair of speakers I could afford. Lots and lots of options in products/quality/price, but, generally speaking, one architecture. Easy to upgrade one piece at a time.
Now, with HT, I don't know if that logic applies anymore. For example - I could build the system above and then have a completely seperate HT setup with a different architecture. This would maintain flexibility, provide good sound, but double or triple the cost. Or, I could just build a great HT system and also use it for music by turning the unused parts off. Or, there may be 50 other options out there. I feel lost, because I don't know what all the choices are.
And, I get more confused as I type 8-{ This must be why I lurk and don't post.