sesquipedality | Stereo nargery requested (Reply)

I'm thinking about getting a new stereo. I basically want something that sounds as realistic as possible within my budget. I'm not really sure if I want to fork out anyway, but here's the sort of system I'm thinking about. I like the small size of an all-in-one CD/amp, but I'm a bit worried about the compromise in quality. However, it seems like top of the range all in one systems equate to entry level separate amp systems, and I have an uneasy feeling about buying entry level anything. Add to all of this the fact that I really have no idea how good I *need* it to sound, i.e. at what point I'm crossing the price/performance threshold. All I know is that I'm disappointed with the loud noise and poor audio reproduction of my current Philips all-in-one system (cost about £100 last year). Quality is definitely more important than quantity.

So here are the ideas I have, anyway. I'm looking at buying from Richer Sounds since they seem to offer good value for money.

All in ones:

Denon DM31 or Teac Legacy 600 - both at about £200.

Speakers:

Mordant Short Avant 902 @ £150. I'm told that for my needs (fidelity rather than volume) floor standing speakers are probably overkill - is this so?)

Cables:

mid range speaker cable (combined) for biwiring.

Or I could go the separates route in which case I have a couple of options

1) get a Cambridge Audio Azur 640A (£250) to use with my existing Panasonic CD player (vintage circa 1992 - cost then £150 or so). This might be somewhat akin to sticking a mini engine inside a sports car - I don't know.

2) get the more modestly priced Azur 340A (£150) and an Azur 340C CD player (also £150)

This would also require an interconnect cable costing about 20 quid and would mean I don't get a radio, although I don't listen to the radio much anyway currently.

Any thoughts anyone. Recommendations for other kit in the same price bracket also very welcome.