These few days I have pondering about this issue as well. And since I am also doing a house renovation, I have decided that a wired network should be incorporated now to cater for future upgrade.

So I have decided to set up a built-in network wire to the future hifi rack area.

And after considering the pros & cons, from media player, to ps3 to network Amp, I think perhaps the answer should be to set up a HTPC connecting to an Amp which has no such facilities.

This amp need no upgrading. They just need to be able to take in sound from the htpc, preferably a direct digital input from the CPU.

The software of the CPU will be able to upgrade from time to time to cater for all type of movie files too. Don't have to worry about media player compatibility.

With proper soundcard, I think the quality of the audio should be equally good. And don't forget to just use the proper CD player should there be any need to listen to high end audio source.

I think a decent htpc cost only about rm2k or less?