In reply to:
if a CD player is plugged into your integrated amp using a digital connection, the player doesn't really matter
I agree. if a digital connection is used, you don't need to spend huge money on a cd player. most (if not all) modern receivers have DACs built in so you can use a digital connection, but integrated amps don't have DACs, so, since I'm planning on getting an integrated amp, I will rely on the cd player dac and will need a decent player.
In reply to:
Well... the 50% I'm sure is more aimed towards a full 5.1/6.1 system.
That's an interesting comment. So does a stereo rig get 30% on the speakers and a home theater gets 50% on the speakers?