Ok, I appreciate all the feedback. Now it's time to act:

I just placed an order for 2 M-Blocks and copper interconnects. I'll use them on the front left and right speakers. I chose the M-Blocks because of *space*, price, and flexability. The Denon will (for the time being) power the center and surrounds. I figure this should address the immediate muffled-sound problem, especially for stereo CDs.

I'll pick up the RadioShack SPL meter tomorrow. I'm ready to order the MX500 Remote and the Tivo 80 hour recorder. Any suggestions where to order from? Also -- for the Tivo service, any advice on whether to pay $12.99 monthly or the $299 product lifetime fee up front?

I figure between the Remote and the Tivo, I'll be off to a good start to making the system friendlier. Hopefully, the M-Blocks, coupled with SPL calibration, should help with the muffled sound. If not, then I suppose the Denon's days are numbered. So that's the plan!

Thx,