Toastermax - I don't think separates are complicated at all. It just seems that way to newbies. If you can plug in your DVD player to your receiver, than you can do it. All it is is taking an output from your Receiver to an input in your amp. You then hook your speakers up to your amp. I do not know your budget, but I currently have an HK520 and an HK PA2000. The Amp I use to drive my mains. I originally bought the amp for 7 channel, but unless the DVD is DTS-ES, I do not get 7 channel.
In the future, I will upgrade, probably to an Anthem Processor with Bryston Amps. The speakers plug into the Amp(s), the Antherm Process 'out's into the the Bryston Amps. It is very simple - do not let that so called 'complexity' dissuade you in your purchase.
The best part is if you receiver ever does come obsolete, you only need replace it - albeit the Anthem is not cheap. However, the AVM20 has been out for 2 years now, unlike HK and others that produce a NEW model every 8 to 14 months. Anthem and other companies just give you 'free' updates to upgrade your receiver's software to the latest sound (DD EX, DTS ES, etc.). This way your receiver & amps will hold on their value a lot longer.
The Bryston Amps for instance are hand made and come with a 20 year warranty. So if you need to sell them in the future, whether for an upgrade or because of some kind of emergency you will get a lot more for it percentage wise. As another example, my HK520 is only 2 years old, and it has already been replaced by the HK 525, which has been replaced by the HK630 - that is ridiculous. My HK520 is now probably worth about 20% of what I originally paid for it - that's worse than an automobile. If I had purchase the Anthem and separates two years ago, I'm sure I could get 75% of the cost for the Anthem.
Good luck with your search!
