Thanks, Graeme ... very helpful. Do you know of particular problems with this line that I should watch out for, or ask about?

I've found a system that looks quite complete, but I'd like my wife to get some good use from all the components before it needs service, dontcha know.

 The specs listed in the product section were sorta greek to me at first, but it looks as though with the "extra speakers" and "line in/out" connections, it should be possible to rig "outsider" equipment when the time comes.

 Very helpful; thanks again.

SDB 

You can get cables on ebay to add non B&O to the system, but you  should try and stick to the B&O bits to get the full use of a great integrated system, with the master control panel you will have a fully remote slick set up, which you cant do with the non B&O products.

Thanks, all ... very helpful.

 I'm looking at this system as a sort of sentimental/nostalgic gift for my wife. It's a little pricey, but ... well, you all understand.

I'm partial to the S series speakers - have a pair of S45's (redone at HUGE cost by speaker builder) and a pair of S45-2. Love them both, no matter what they run through.

Ran the S45's through the speaker builder's giga$$ system and fell in love all over again. Back at home, in my smaller space, they and the S45-2's sound amazing playing vinyl on through my (get this) Advent 300 receiver.

 So we'll see; my wife'll faint if she gets the 5500 system ... I'll probably give her the S45-2's to go with it. Nowhere what the system can power, but perfect for the space, and she loves the minimized "handling" afforded by our old B&O system ...

 Thanks for the help.

SDB