This is my first thread in this section. I am not an audiophile but i do like good quality sound. I am planning on setting up a system for both music and HT with a initial budget of $4k.

I know for a fact that if i were to setup both music & 5.1 with $4k i would end up with an average system. So i want to do it in 2 phases. I am still undecided whether to go music first then HT or the reverse.

To help me decide i need to know what equipments to get to achieve my ultimate system, then only i can plan out the purchase.

Can anyone help to explain :
- Is pre/pro = AV receiver = surround processor?
- Is integrated amp = pre-amp + power amp?
- How should these amps be connected from source to speaker? Are there many different configurations?
- What is the best setup (assuming money is no object) for both music & HT sharing the same pair of main speakers?

For speakers I have auditioned Sonus Faber Concertino Domus (bookshelf), Monitor Audio RS8 (floorstander) and i must say i like the Concertino more. I heard SF is pretty easy to drive so I have more choices of amps to choose. Any suggestion which amp is good?

Thanks