All the best on your endeavor. For your budget in less you are a real do it yourself type guy, call in the pro.
Gear wise the most important IMO outside of sound is ease of use. Brands like NAD and McIntosh have a great ease of use factor. If you and the family can't use it easily it sits and gathers dust. You will appreciate a system that other family members don't have to call you in just to play a kids dvd or just to watch regular television. Of the brands you listed, I would stay away from Cambridge Audio. Great sound but not reliable in my experience.
Running a dedicated stereo with HT bypass system would be my choice. But surround sound is not that important too me. The balk of my funds would go to the stereo components and primary speakers. A good center channel but the rears and sides much less important.
It is fun and easy to spend other people's money, so above all let your ears be the judge. Good luck and post your results.
Gear wise the most important IMO outside of sound is ease of use. Brands like NAD and McIntosh have a great ease of use factor. If you and the family can't use it easily it sits and gathers dust. You will appreciate a system that other family members don't have to call you in just to play a kids dvd or just to watch regular television. Of the brands you listed, I would stay away from Cambridge Audio. Great sound but not reliable in my experience.
Running a dedicated stereo with HT bypass system would be my choice. But surround sound is not that important too me. The balk of my funds would go to the stereo components and primary speakers. A good center channel but the rears and sides much less important.
It is fun and easy to spend other people's money, so above all let your ears be the judge. Good luck and post your results.