I've got a basic, directional decision to make.

I would definitely go with the DNA 0.5 amp. Supposedly a real classic and one of the best in the biz. That's in stock form.

If you should have Steve McCormack perform the Revision A upgrade, it's a whole nuther league still.

I'm not familiar with the GMA Europas. But if per chance the GMAs and the DNA 0.5 don't synergize well, I'd sell the GMAs.

But then I'm a firm believer that the right amp can make most any decent speaker sing beyond belief.

-IMO

If it were me, and I was assembling the one-source system it sounds like you are contemplating, I would set aside the $200-$300 or so that is all it takes these days to get into one of the latest mass-market-maker multi-format digital players brand-new, and then devote the balance of my budget to finding the best used integrated with a passive 'preamp' control section that I could find on Audiogon. I can't prove it, but my suspicion is that this approach would give the best overall sound within your budget and system restraints for the time being, and the player could do double duty until you retire its CD chores with a used higher-end dedicated player or outboard DAC, at which point it could still serve for hi-rez-format disks (and/or HT use).

I think the difference between hi-end CD players and mass market ones is less significant than between hi-end amps and mass market receivers. I'd worry about the amps first, but I'd also not sink much money yet as you'll be wanting to replace it in a year or two with a digital design.

You folks have to provide more info if you want well thought out answers.

1) Will you be using sources other than your digital player ? If so, what other sources do you plan on using. The reason that i ask is that input switching versatility and system gain comes into play here.

2) Does versatility of the digital player matter i.e. do you want to be able to play dvd's, SACD's, DVD-A, etc... at all or is this strictly going to be a redbook player ? I know that you didn't mention these other formats, but it is something to consider now prior to purchasing rather than changing your mind later.

3) What kind of music do you listen to and how loud ? Obviously, higher spl's in a bigger room will require higher power levels. This may swing part of the budget one way more-so than the other.

Obviously, you are not against buying used or you wouldn't be here on Agon. If you shop carefully, you could easily put together a very nice sounding system for the budget that you have in mind. You don't have to spend big dollars to obtain a very nice sounding, enjoyable audio rig. 90% of the performance of most rigs can be had for 2 - 3K if buying used and one knows what to look for and set things up. The next 5 - 7% of performance brings the entry price up quite a bit from that point. Trying to achieve that last 3 - 5% of "musical resolution" can drive you into bankruptcy if your not careful. : ) Sean
>

Sean,
This is a basic, single source, audio only system. My musical tastes are varied, and I don't listen at ridiculous levels or in a very large room (roughly 15x18).
Something else that proving to be a road block for me is remote control of the pre. I have found that it limits my choices to the point that I may just go without. The only thing that I want it for is volume control (with a single source, what else is there anyway?). What are your thoughts on this? This sytem will be in the main living room, and installed in what is now a closet. I know a lot of you guys do not have or want remote control. Do you find yourself getting up and down all the time when the wife calls you, or the phone rings, etc.?