[dreaming.haze]

Thanks for the feedback on the B&W's dreaming.haze

I plan to move my current XBMC upstairs to mate with the Rotel.

Only main difference I'll need to add is an 'audiophile' soundcard since like a lot of the HiFi gear out there is no digital inputs; composite/RCA only.

I am looking at the xonar essence stx or maudio 2496...time will tell.

I had thought about an external DAC like the Cambridge DACMagic, but the soundcard option is at least $200 cheaper and no other external boxes.

Ahh, yes. I have never been one to want an expensive sound card to add in my box. Your choice in the DACMagic is well warranted. It is an amazing little device and well worth the money. The previous mentioned owner of the B&W 805s speakers uses that as his DAC. Very linear without adding anything to the sounds beyond its use.I would defiantly recommend it in your current situation. Adding the DACMagic will be perfect for future proofing your system. It goes well with almost any system under $10,000.

Here is a link to one that is used for $350:
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?d...Magic-DacM

Above is a great place to find good hardware for cheaper. Almost all of the people on the site are super careful with their audio stuff. Good deals to be had everywhere.

Best of luck in your search. It will take awhile