Home theatre and Musical Experience

Away from the computer for a while (had to work) and come back to the most realistic answers I have gotten so far. Thanks a lot! May end up just building a seperate system using the same mains for music but the pass through feature sounds like it might work great. Enjoy HT but first priority is music.
Will get back on this.
Thanks
Steve

The advice here is incredible. Have a lot to think about now but will be back with more questions I'm sure.
Thanks
Steve

So much info and so many different ways to go about it. With the budget I get to work with it will be a slow process. I suppose each step will be an upgrade and as long as I can see improvement there will be a lot of enjoyment. Today I think that the first will be a new amp that will run off the pre outs of the receiver for a while. Should improve the sound and will be able to get new speakers befor to long (possibly the magnepan mmg's). Have to decide between a 2, 4, or 5 channel but leaning to a 2 that will drive the mains. Considering the bryston 2bst, arragon 4004, but have also read great things about the anthem. Have considered the citation 7.1 that would be good later on but only if it is as musical as the others. The pre with ht pass through sound good too so may have to do a little research on pre's with this feature.
Thanks again for all the input. The help here offsets some of the frustration of being in a town with only 2 upperend stores. Even they don't handle any of the equiptment that I am considering.
Steve

As with many of my endeavors money became an issue and a decision that since this is my first step into the upgrade world small steps might be better for me. Connected the 3b last night and what a revelation. Music became what I had hoped for. Clarity, detail, emotion surrounded us. Even my wife, who claims to not hear the sutilities was awed by what we were hearing. Clapton "Unplugged" was first and the reality gave me that "you are there" feeling that I was hoping for. Linda said for the first time music sounded like it was in the room and not coming out of those (speakers). Patricia Barber "Cafe Blue" was next and was like hearing a new master. Things that had sounded good were now great and the depth of the sound drew you to it. Needless to say we are thrilled. I know that there is much more to come but for now I will enjoy this first step and be happy for a while. Thanks to all who participated in this for their advice and encouragement. It would not have happened without all the help.
Steve