My Dream system:
-is Digital by nature
-entertains me with liberated (accessable) content and finds new content for me that I may like - mainly music, but also movies, podcasts, news, etc
-makes available in more than one room (and on demand) my entertainment library
-brings a new dimension to my memories and entertainment experience by having the ability to visually showcase my art and memories (photographs and videos) at the same time as giving pleasure to my ears.
-reproduces High quality music and visuals (subjective I know) that can be enjoyed by my friends and family for many hours.
-adapts easily to new technology - is modular in design
-has minimal impact on the environment - uses little electricity and is preferably small and intelligently made so that transport is easy and cheap and repairs not often required.
-is visually pleasing in itself
-the associated content needs to be mobile for those longer times away from home
The components of my ideal setup would be:
Sources:
An AppleTV with less limitations and better quality (there are many one box wonders, but I like this one best, despite that fact that it is tied to a large computer company)
A super-fast internet connection (for legal high bitrate downloads that have a workable DRM facility, not tying you to a specific vendor)
Power Amplification:
Jeff Rowland 501's (quality, size, design, etc)
Pre-amplifier:
If they made the AppleTV so that it included a good DAC and volume control I would use this, but they don't. For the moment a GOOD AV Processor will do - I would have to say: Something geared for multi-format listening and viewing that enables visitors to also share their own content - Anthem Statement comes to mind, it is quite big though and ugly as sin...
Speakers:
B&W 800D's for mains. They are some of the most beautiful creations ever and sound amasing also. I also think you will only buy this and never to to upgrade again in your lifetime as far as speakers go