Although I am starting with plain stereo, down the line I will need to hook up a bunch of sources and I hope to end up with 5.1 speakers.

My plans are:

Phase 1 (hopefully very soon now):
A pair of M80s driven by an Emotiva XPA-2. Source will be Squeezebox Touch. No preamp.

Phase 2 (by Christmas?):
Add a sub-woofer.

Phase 3:
Add TV, Blu-ray player, TiVo and Xbox. Will need a HT pre/processor at this point.

Phase 4:
Add surrounds & center. Will need an XPA-3 at this point.

Eventually my sources will be:
- Blu-ray player (HDMI)
- TiVo HD (HDMI)
- XBox 360 (HDMI)
- Nintendo Wii (S-Video/Component)
- Squeezebox Touch (RCA audio only)
- A media player? (HDMI)

The Emotiva UMC-1 looks ideal on paper, but I am seeing some pretty negative opinions on many forums. Mostly to do with software bugs, it seems.

What other devices should I look at?
The sound quality must be good (in line with XPA-2 + M80).
Price should be below US$2000, preferably more like the UMC-1 ($700).
Not really interested in tubes for maintenance reasons.

Most of the non-insanely priced models (I'm looking at you, Denon) were listed here, early this morning:
http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=316034

When you refer to Media player Henry what do you mean? the Xbox 360 will do a whole lot of media playing/streaming. I keep looking at things like the boxee box or a HTPC but the only thing that I find they do that my xbox doesn't do is .mkv files and Hulu.

I'd go used on multiple high end 2 channel amps which can be had for a song in this economy. Save a bundle, and get real quality, 4 ohm stable components. Check amps from Yamaha, Harman Kardon, Kenwood. Flagship models form the late 70s and 80s are terrific buys.

I'd also consider used speakers for surround duty. If you can get your hands on some Mission 77ds surrounds for about $100 a pair you will have some great surrounds for another song.

It makes sense to get new full featured preamp/processors and DVD/Blu Ray players.

I don't know exactly what I mean when I say media player because I have not bought one yet.

However .mkv files are exactly what I would want to play.

Oppo's BD players can handle .mkv files. Also in many cases they can be re-wrapped into M2TS files, and then be played on most any HD player.

Thanks for the ideas, 2x6spds. I have an irrational dislike for getting used stuff, but surrounds at that price might be worth a try.

Have a look at the Integra DHC 40.1

+1 for quality used amps.I run two 2 channel carver amps from the 80's, one of which I bought new in '85. Never had a minute's trouble with either.

Going to find some wood to knock on now.

Knock really loudly.......

That does look very intriguing, thanks.
Can't find many online sellers though. Are Integra one of those brick-and-mortar-only brands?