I'm in need of some advice on setting up a good quality domestic stereo
system based on digital audio files.

Basically, I'd like to transfer my collection of around 500 CDs into
high quality digital audio files using a lossless compression method
(or 320kb MP3 if absolutely necessary) - and have them available for
instant access through my hi-fi system (based on a good quality 200W
Sony amp and TDL transmission line speakers).

I'd like to be able to access individual tracks using an effective and
detailed indexing system (like that of, say, iTunes) - but preferably
without using a computer. Obviously, I could burn tracks onto a CD and
use a CD-R compatible player, but this would limit me to around 700MB
of data and involve changing discs.

Are there any good quality playback machines that could handle files
burnt onto a DVD (as this would give me much more storage space per
disc) - or should I look to a computer hard disk drive as a solution?
If I took the latter route and bought a 500GB unit, I wouldn't even
need to use compressed files, but are there any hard disk systems
available that don't require a computer as a 'front end'?

Needless to say, I'd like the system to be remote controllable, but I'd
be happy to program in all the track information and not rely on the
Gracenote system. Everything I look at seems to be iPod based (which I
don't have and don't particularly want) and doesn't appear to offer any
kind of display that would be visible from across a room.

I'm sorry if the solution to this is staring me in the face- but I've
combed the hi-fi mags and can't find any suitable system. Surely I'm
not the only person who would like to have his entire music collection
available in high quality digital form, with individual tracks easily
accessible without using a computer or a small MP3 player?

Any advice would be gratefully received.

TIA...

Nige