Cambridge SoundWorks Ambiance loudspeaker Specifications

I am new to Hi-Fi, so please bear with me. I plan to upgrade my current stereo system, and would like some advice, especially regarding an integrated receiver (or amp components). I just purchased the Oppo DV-980H universal player, and I would like to take advantage of its HDMI output. For now, I will play 2 channel stereo, but may want to upgrade to surround sound at a later date. I have not settled on a pair of speakers yet, but am leaning towards the Vandersteen 2Ce SIG II. For vinyl, I recently ordered the Pro-Ject Debut III turntable.
Does anyone here have experience with Blu-ray on the PC? What are some of the better options for (1) drives, (2) software (e.g. PowerDVD Ultra), and (3) sound cards?
As I haven't done any research, I'm also wondering if current hardware and software programs support uncompressed PCM output to S/PDIF or HDMI (or to firewire-based sound cards). What are the associated DRM issues?
Now that HD space has gotten relatively inexpensive I've decided to re-rip my CD's in a lossless format (Apple Lossless). I think the weak link in my system (NAD pre-amp, Hafler DH-200, Elan II's) is the DAC. I have been using an Airport Express or iMic to get into the NAD. As a test I hooked up my MOTU HD 896 using the Firewire output of my Macbook, assuming the DAC's in it had to be better than the AX or iMic, and the difference is quite remarkable.
About a month ago I was having problems with my very old Jolida 202. Thanks to advice I got here, I was able to find the problem and decided it was more than the old amp was worth to repair so I bought a new PrimaLuna Dialogue II. Got it and began to break it in. After about 20 hours I noted the hard edge I had in the highs when in single end was not getting better. Push pull worked ok so again I asked a dumb question and another poster pointed to a speaker compatability problem with my old Maggies.
There are acoustic treatment tweaks out there that include SMALL LITTLE things. I recall those coin-sized discs that allegedly changed acoustics if rotated on their own axis. And you know those things that look like a large fork, with wavy wood tines?
I know acoustic treatment is very valuable - but why would any reasonable person, with even a tiny bit of acoustics awareness, entertain the idea that itty bitty things inside a room would help? Or, IF there is something to it, can you explain?