Space isn't a problem, disk space is nearly free. It's the level of intervention I don't want to deal with. I want the equivalent of what I did to rip my cds..pop in disc, maybe select title to rip, then watch it go, and have nearly lossless level rips.
I'm working out a way to automate ripping my dvds to hard drive, to turn my mac mini into a home media library. I want to archive all the special features etc, and don't want to compress anything that much. My goal is just to have my movies available without using the discs, so my kids don't get fingerprints on them etc.
It's berkeley, the landlord is probably not even allowed into your apartment. Renters have amazing rights in california. I think anyone who's a landlord in california has to do it as charity, they've got so many restrictions.
The opus 21 is a 2 box solution, and allows additional digital connections. It's a great sounding device, too. (Well, the ref. modded one todd has is...)
I wouldn't worry about SACD or DVDA at this point, if you don't have an investment in them already.