[Overpaid Slacker]

Adam -
"front-end" is geek-speak for where the signal comes from. A tape deck is a "front end", as is a turntable, CD player or DVD player.

If the CJ is ONLY a pre-amp (meaning it "just" accepts inputs and switches which one goes "out" to an external amp) then it's unlikely you'll need it in this system. If it is an "integrated amp" meaning it does the "switching" between inputs AND has a built-in amp, then you can put it to use in your new system, but you'll really be using it just as an amp. Without getting into anything crazy, you'll probably just run your signal in to, say, the "CD" input and leave the switch on CD forever.

It sounds like the JVC will be handling the "pre-amp" functions -- ie selecting between which input will be "heard". So the JVC will select whether the iPod plugged into its back or the DVD/CD player plugged into its back will be played through the speakers.

How many channels is the A-F? How many channels will the JVC amplify?

How many (and which) channels does the JVC allow pre-amplified sound out of?

Scenario -- your DVD player will handle 7.1 sound (seven channels plus subwoofer) digitally, so one digital cable supplies all that sound to your JVC. The JVC itself can amplify 5 channels and provides pre-amp outs for the other two channels as well as the ".1" subwoofer. You'll probably use the JVC to amplify the Left Side, Left, Center, Right and Right Side speakers and run the two other channels (and subwoofer) to another amplifier (maybe the A-F) and use that amp to amplify the Left Rear, Right Rear and Subwoofer (assuming your subwoofer doesn't have a built-in amp, in which case you'd take the pre-amp, or line-level, subwoofer "out" from the JVC and run it directly to the subwoofer).

There are a lot of issues that can complicate the foregoing (like if your subwoofer was supposed to act as your low pass filter for your speakers, but your JVC will probably do that).

The timing feature is key, so you should be OK. Another gadget to buy is a decibel meter or sound pressure level meter. That way, you can calibrate the volume from each speaker at your listening position. Radio Shack's got 'em for pretty cheap (~$50?).

JP