The 950/770 is a great package, I own the 950/7100 and I am more than satisfied for the amount of money that I paid. Here are a couple of things you need to know about the 950 based on what you have written.
You cannot supply surround for 2 rooms simultaniously with the 950. Zone 2 allows you to listen to stereo music in one room while watching a movie in surround in the other.
I hope that I was helpful.
There is also built in bass management in the 950, so you may not need a bass controller.
I recommend Denon for your source components. The 2200, 2910 and 3910 are all great universal players for the money and start from $450.00 to $1200.00 depending on the player you choose.
The Samsung DLP and JVC D-ILA are, in my opinion, the best rear projection TV's for the money right now. Both give a great picture at a great price.
I have not researched front projection in 2 years, so I do not really have the knowledge to recommend any unit to you.
Outlaw cables are the best for the money period, good choice.
Speakers are a personal thing, what may sound great to one is crap to another. I recommend that you check out some of the previous threads at this posting to see what other people have in their system, audition them as many times as possible and choose from there.