Buying: Receiver, CD Player and Speakers (need recommendations)

[JarrettH]

I've decided to put together a decent system for classical/opera music only. I've done some research myself and came up with the following:

CD PLAYER

- Denon DCM-370 (PIC)
- NAD C541
- Marantz CD5000
- Rotel RCC-955

RECEIVER (audio only)

- Denon DRA-395 (PIC)
- Harman/Kardon HK 3470
- Onkyo TX-8511

BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS

- Mission M72
- B&W DM 303

I am still undecided on anything right now, but I think I am in favour of the Denon CD Player for its price and incredible features/sound.
I would appreciate more brand suggestions for any category (mainly Receiver and Speakers). I will be purchasing two speakers. Try to keep the price under $500 for each component.

Thanks for all your help! I need it!

[spigidygak]

For cd players, check out also AMC's CD8b, Arcam Alpha 7se, AH! Njoe Tjoeb 4000. Stay away from multi disc players, they just don't sound as good as single disc players. For recievers, my own instinct says H/K 'cause I'm a huge fan of harman products, but Look into the Marantz SR-68, Nakamichi RE-10 and NAD C-740. STAY AWAY FROM THE ONKYO, they use cheapy-cheap-o-cheap-ass speaker connectors, damn clipy crap. . . don't know why they did that. Anyhow I'm in the market for a new stereo reciever myself. Besides the H/K because of my bias to them. I'm leaning to the NAD or Marantz. I have a pair of missions that are very similar to those that I run on my denon mini system. They're pretty decent. BUT B&W. . . oh baby. If you can afford it. . . go for the 602's instead . Another good one is Dynaudio audience 40's. Good luck in your quest for the ubber system. Hell if its for classical/opera. . . don't forget to pick up a pair of sennheiser hd-600's .