Thanks for the response Mark.

I think to get the best out the esoteric I would have to have a prepro that has analogue inputs allowing the players character to come through. I've heard a Wadia 861se ran into mono amps and the result was spectacular, best sound I've heard. The point being if a player costs �4500 brand new, I should give it the chance to shine which the 568 won't do by a-d-a.
The other option is to add an analogue pre amp with a ht bypass feature although I'd rather house it all in one unit, so things are on hold for the time being......