Opinions needed; which is a better choice and why?

Sony DVP 9000es $829 new less used or
Rotel RCD 971 $700 new $400 used with maybe a
Bel Canto Dac 1 or 1.1 used for @ $500 or
Perpetual 3A dac used for $600
Audio Refinement Complete $950 new $650 used or better
Creek 5350 SE $1495 new $950 used
Meadowlark Audio Kestrel Speakers $1395 new $850 used
with entry level DH labs or Harmonic Technology Cables $300

Total Price from $2150 to $4019

You can be very happy with any combination here for a very long time. Superb soundstage. Smooth highend with good midrange and respectable bass. ie Musical !

RE Chel's suggestions,
I second the Bel Canto DAC 1
For interconnects, speaker cables and PC I would get the Audition package from Virtual Dynamics. If you can swing it, the Rogue Magnum Tempest Integrated (which both Chel and I own) will do very well in your new system.
If I knew about Audiogon when I started this hobby I would've saved so much $$$ by asking this same question in the forums!!! Use all this information Meby, and remember: the fun of this hobby is in the chase... Buying, tweaking, listening, selling and more buying.. Good times!

I just bought a YBA Passion Integrated amp ($4,000US). A few months ago, Before buying this unit, I was looking into buying a YBA 2 AMP and preamp (around $6,000US). The integrated amp is a brand new model (it was released in December 01). Eventough the integrated is cheaper than the separates, it is BETTER sounding that the Series 2 seperates. If an integrated is well designed and well built, it can be as rewarding as separates without the extra cost. Remember that when you buy separates, you buy 2 transformers, 2 chasis... Also, you will have to buy an extra set of interconnects (beleive me it can be very costly task to find the right one). On the other hand, you have more flexibility when buying separates.

If you are on a tight budget and want the most bang for the buck and you are looking for new components, I would look into integrated. If you don't mind buying used, there are a whole lot more separates for sale on the market compared to integrated amps. The only reason why I bought a brand new unit is because the integrated I bought is a brand new model (I beleive it will take quite a while before seing this unit on the used market).

one more thing... When you buy online, you have no chance to audition the gear before you buy. If you plan on buying separates, make sure the amp/preamp are a good match. Buying without auditionning can be sometimes very deceiving. I would go around stores to listen to some gear. Make a choice on what sounds good to YOUR ears (not the salesman's ears). Once you choice is down to a few units, shop online for ONLY the units YOU auditionned. Remember, BE PATIENT when buying online. A good deal will come around sooner or later. The only way you will not be deceived is to ONLY trust your ears. Component reviews and other people's opinion are only there as guidelines. They are not to be taken as the ultimate reference.

One more thing, if you like tubes, YBA sound very close to tubes (but with solid state advantages).

Happy shopping.

As several others have pointed out, with versatility ( amp & preamp ) come options. With options you also get variables. With variables you get a lot of trial and error i.e. finding the perfect match for cables from component to component, which pre works best with which amp, etc... If you like such things, go for the separates. I personally prefer separates, but i am a "tinkerer" by nature.

All of the others have presented a very valid argument for an integrated. While they can be a step down from top notch seperates, they are more convenient, take up less space, have some of the hassles removed, etc... and can offer the vast majority of performance of separates.

Either way, do some research and listen to as much gear as you can whenever possible. This will give a good idea of what is available and let you know what you should be looking for in terms of performance and features.

As far as buying on A-gon, take a look at a seller's feedback. It should give you at least a vague idea as to what the person is like in terms of an audio transaction. I have done quite a bit of buying / selling on this and other forums and have been very happy with the results so far. Sean
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I believe it is first necessary to have your final objective clearly understood. In order to obtain the quality of music your amplification is capable of reproducing, the amplification must be on the same performance level as the other equipment in the system. It is also true that the other considerations such as speaker efficiency must also be considered. I would advise you set set your performance goals and then borrow an amplifier from a local dealer. Get a first hand idea of how the new amplifier will increase your enjoyment of the music. Begin to learn what other changes may have to be made. It's about the music and that is a very personal thing.