I haven't been able to access this site all day so here is my late response.

Modifications:

I put a rant on this at Audio Asylum at
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/general/messages/297550.html

The upgrades to that Marantz were done by the owner who understands surface mount soldering, can follow circuits etc. Much of that sort of thing is beyond me so I pay the professionals to do it. I used Soundlabs Group in Melbourne, Australia.

The comment on Meridian vs Lexicon being better for music results from quite a few posts I've seen on this topic. Have a look at the digital and video boards at Audio Asylum - put a post up.

It does appear a good deal to sell & if you have accepted a 10% deposit - end of story.

I empathise with the dilemma of not having a suitable dealer nearby. However the net is a good research tool although you have to be wary of owner opinion - it generally sings nice songs about presently owned components and can rubbish items traded in.

As for projectors, ours is an 8" Barco but I gather 9" is better. Projector selection is a BIG topic and I would never advise buying into it unless you have technical backup to set you up in the first place. Believe me, it is a long learning curve to do it yourself.

John