Take one part Sony DVD plus Bel Canto DAC for one of the all-time best front end regardless of price. Add the reasonably priced much better sounding than it's price suggest McCormack DNA-125. Add the dead-reliable Bryston preamp. Add the legendary Parsifal loudspeaker (not the Encore upgrade to keep within budget- dont worry, it's still a winner) And for less than $ 11,000.00, sound that sounds 3 times the price, but more importantly, heaven for you heart and soul. All items listed here are "previously enjoyed" (ok, used) except for the McCormack that is too new on the market. Enjoy. Want to cut a litte ? Buy the DAC later. For those who think the Parsifal is overkill, look at it this way. For a little less money you will get a lot less performance. And you will probably never want to replaced them should you ever get the upgradmania jitters again. This is it, still expensive, but game over.