after recently purchasing a new tv and hd-dvd player and changing my internet/tv service, i've been researching AVR's. Are they really necessary if you currently don't have a surround setup? While i plan on having one eventually(read: a year or two from now), i'm fine with a 2 channel setup. Right now i have active monitors, but have been looking into passive setups. The more i research AVR's the more i'd rather just stick with an active pair and invest in a quality DAC. Then if i decide to move to passives, i can simply get an amp and maintain a great 2ch setup.
An AVR would be nice to simplify my digital hookups over multiple connection types(and have the power ready if i decide to add to my 2 ch setup with a simple surround setup), but i can easily see how a mytek or apogee DAC would suit my needs.
I realize AVR's have pre outs that could go straight to an active monitor pair, but then i'm simply buying a "digital hookup box".
So am i better off investing in a DAC now and then getting an AVR or amp(depending on speaker upgrades) later on? I think i sort of answered my own question typing this post, but i'd love to hear any thoughts you guys have. thanks!