Jrwr7, My close friend has owned a system which was almost exactly like yours - except his front speakers are the Dynaudio Consequence which were the flagship Dynaudio speaker prior to the Evidence. The HTS-1 is a good pre/pro but we have had some trouble with the way it handles Super Audio CD and therefore do not recommend SACD machines as long as you have the original HTS. IF you upgrade to the HTS-2, SACD through-put is better - but still not optimal.
Instead - here is what you should do:
Keep the HTS (use its DAC) and use an EAD T-7000 Transport (or Theta Data II). Connect with a Kimber AGDL or better digital coax. NOTE - please do not even think of trying any other EAD or Theta transport (newer or older) they will NOT perform at the level as the T-7000 or the Data II.
The EAD T-7000 is a laserdisk transport and sounds VERY analog. HUGE soundstage - warm - and detailed... Amazing!
The combo I just suggested will cost less than your budget and will be absolutely marvelous. My friends setup has embarrassed my Audiomeca Mephisto, Electrocompaniet EMC-1 and yes - the Audio Aero Capitole by sounding nearly as good but without spending $$$$.
Instead - here is what you should do:
Keep the HTS (use its DAC) and use an EAD T-7000 Transport (or Theta Data II). Connect with a Kimber AGDL or better digital coax. NOTE - please do not even think of trying any other EAD or Theta transport (newer or older) they will NOT perform at the level as the T-7000 or the Data II.
The EAD T-7000 is a laserdisk transport and sounds VERY analog. HUGE soundstage - warm - and detailed... Amazing!
The combo I just suggested will cost less than your budget and will be absolutely marvelous. My friends setup has embarrassed my Audiomeca Mephisto, Electrocompaniet EMC-1 and yes - the Audio Aero Capitole by sounding nearly as good but without spending $$$$.