I don't think an iLink or firewire enable universal player exists in that price range.

I wouldn't mix a Rocket RS750 in with a 5.1 Ascend setup......the timbre will be off. Would be much less expensive to get another CMT-340 with a stand.

I can tell you that the refurb Denon 2900 does everything better than my Pioneer 563a....it was also 5 times the cost. If you want to sample hi-rez/multi-channel audio, a Pioneer 578a is a good way to go....it can be found for less than $150.