Start with the hippocratic oath: "first, do no harm."
If you really want to keep a high-end audio setup and add HT, you should seriously consider front projection if your room allows. I've been room-constrained now for 4-5 years, but am preparing to take the plunge. With low cost DLP projectors like the Plus Piano ($3K) and $1500 for a good screen, you can have a set up for not much more than the cost of a large rear projection set, that provides a BIG picture, without a large box sitting between the speakers that obstructs the soundstage. When I'm not watching movies, I plan to cover the screen with a wall-hanging quilt that will provide some acoustic treatment.
Also, look for a processor with an analog pass-through. Depending on what front end you have, you may not want to use the D/A conversion in a HT processor, unless you're buying a true top of the line model. Analog pass-though is becoming pretty common because of SACD and DVD-Audio, fortunately.
Do you have L/R speakers that are salvageable from the fire? If so, you need to select a center channel that matches very closelt in timbre - selecting one from the same manufacturer is almost a must unless you can do a lot of home auditioning.
Why don't you post waht equipment you're planning to use as the basis for the system. You'll have no trouble elicting lots of opinions! Good luck. - Rob
If you really want to keep a high-end audio setup and add HT, you should seriously consider front projection if your room allows. I've been room-constrained now for 4-5 years, but am preparing to take the plunge. With low cost DLP projectors like the Plus Piano ($3K) and $1500 for a good screen, you can have a set up for not much more than the cost of a large rear projection set, that provides a BIG picture, without a large box sitting between the speakers that obstructs the soundstage. When I'm not watching movies, I plan to cover the screen with a wall-hanging quilt that will provide some acoustic treatment.
Also, look for a processor with an analog pass-through. Depending on what front end you have, you may not want to use the D/A conversion in a HT processor, unless you're buying a true top of the line model. Analog pass-though is becoming pretty common because of SACD and DVD-Audio, fortunately.
Do you have L/R speakers that are salvageable from the fire? If so, you need to select a center channel that matches very closelt in timbre - selecting one from the same manufacturer is almost a must unless you can do a lot of home auditioning.
Why don't you post waht equipment you're planning to use as the basis for the system. You'll have no trouble elicting lots of opinions! Good luck. - Rob