Best next step to upgrade sound?

I would think a dedicated CDP would be an improvement over your DVD player which has to do double duty. I own the Marantz SR 4500 which is a very fine receiver BUT it is still a reciever if you know what I mean. Adding a power amp would probably improve the sound but your are still going through the rec's pre-amp section. I'd add the CDP first and see how things sound. The right interconnect will make a hugh difference. I'd find a solid-core design which would mate well w/ the Marantz. Tara Labs Prism 33i/55 are both exc. AQ PSC copper IC's are good as well. Good Luck, Bill

Blindjim, I'd say that's all worth at least a nickel.

Kotta, if I use the analog outs on a CDP, is the receiver pre-amp bypassed? (please forgive the newbie question, I want to make sure I understand this correctly).

And another general question if you will: Is it generally desirable to use an analog RCA interconnect from CDP to receiver? (vs. digital coax or optical?)

I am interested in the prospect of a decent CDP -- say, under $1000 -- because I am curious of just how much a difference I would be able to hear with a modest system.

As for the power amp Blindjim suggests, my speakers do have 2 sets of binding posts, so there is the option to bi-amp, as well. Therefore, I am giving the amplifier idea serious consideration as well.

Thanks again to all of you for the great feedback...

Also, Timrhu, Bob: Room treatments ain't gonna happen, the system is in our living room - no dedicated listening room yet.

Your pre-amp section is still being used w/an external amp. I've only used analog rca's so I cannot comment from experience. My passion is 2-ch stereo and I've never had a rec. sound as good as seperates or an int. amp/tuner. I listen to quite a bit of FM radio and the tuner section in most rec's is just so-so. The Marantz has a surprising good FM section BUT if you connect a good seperate tuner the difference is obvious. Your/my rec. is a compromise and geared towards HT. I'd first get a good CDP. It will make a difference and you'll need one anyway. See how things sound to you. If you want to upgrade upgrade further, get an external 2/3/5-ch. amp.(Which one? I'd ask dedicated HT members this question.) Your final question if I understand correctly is can you connet both rec's and external amp to your bi-wire spk. binding posts? No. Just the extenal amp would get connected to your spks. You would not use the Marantz's binding posts. Good Luck. Bill