My current system is the following:

Yamaha RX-V2400 receiver
Polk LS f/x front speakers
Polk PSW650 subwoofer
Toshiba SD-5700 CD/DVD Player

I'm getting a very nice gift of new speakers and an amp to power then when I graduate college in December. I haven't decided on speakers yet, but I do like the B&W 804s.

I really like the sound of the Parasound Halo A23 amp, but I heard someone had hum problems with it, so I talked to my dealer who told me this shouldn't be a problem, but if it was I could always return it for another unit or for a refund.

I have about $800 or less to put towards an upgrade right now. I guess I really don't have a "true" home theater yet, but I use my system about 70% music, 30% movies.

I was wondering what would make the single most important improvement in my system for around $800 or less keeping in mind my future upgrades. I'm happy with my DVD player for movies, but I don't think it's all that great with music. I'm thinking about getting a dedicated CD player. My dealer recommended an Arcam CD73T. Has anyone heard of this player and what do people think of it? Since I don't need a new DVD player, I'm thinking that a dedicated CD might be the way to go. I'm not interested in SACD since I like to be able to play my music anywhere I go! :-)

In your opinions, given my current system, do you think my system would improve more by adding a decent amp (like the A23) now and get a CD player later or would my system improve more with a CD player now and the amp later, when I get the speakers?

I'm new to this, but I'm just wondering which you think will cause the most immediate improvement.