You don't HAVE to keep H/T and 2-channel seperate at all(unless you just want to) I have successfully integrated both, as have many others, without compromises being necessary. You can also actually connect an APL-modded Denon 3910 directly to your amp if you wish - in fact Alex Peychev, the owner, recommends this. Purchasers have actually sold their preamps after connecting their 3910 directly to their amps!! You might check the APL website and forums for more info on this.
When APL-modded, the 3910 plays CDs, DVDs and SACDs like nothing you will have heard before under $10K, and you can still retain multi-channel and movies. Incidentally, with the modification, you have your choice of solid state or TUBED and yes, it DOES make a big difference.
ALso do not overlook good quality cables - the 800N is a very good speaker and you might even call B&W and ask them for speaker/ic cable suggestions in your price range.
If you are not doing vinyl, there's really not a compelling reason to get a tubed pre-amp if you take the APL suggestion I outlined above. Hope this helps a little - just another possible path.
