Question 5000 for amp, proc'r & speakers for HT

I should start off by saying this isn’t for me. I’m still happy in a 2 channel world but, I have a friend who is looking at doing a HT system. I decided after Bose suckered him into an AM15 system last time he needed help. We have looked at just a few speakers – Sonus Faber Concerto and the B&W CDM series. These are the speakers that we have seen at two Atlanta area stores – HiFi Buys and Georgia Home Theater. My friend is not an audio purist. He is quite concerned with how cool things look and what cool technology does it have. He assumes a B&W Nautilus tweeter is better than those in other speakers because it has “Nautilus design.” Another example is he would rather have a receiver with Dolby Digital II and DTS ES rather than an older unit with plain DTS and a better amp. Personally I think that part is rather irrational.
I do understand the desire to have good looking speakers in you living room. For better or worse this kills Vandersteen and possibly NHT.
Also, he wants to purchase new to avoid the issues you have when buying used gear. I’m sure all of you on Audiogon would agree… ?

Currently his system of choice is:
B&W CDM9 –left and right
B&W CDM center – I don’t remember the designation but it’s the matching center
B&W 300 or 600 series as surrounds
Rotel’s current HT receiver – I know he likes the 100wpc model but I think he is more likely to get the 75wpc model due to reduced cost.

I don’t think I can get him away from the Rotel. Personally I like their products for the price. I think he would be better off going with a used surround preamp and amps but that wouldn’t give him DTS ES (any one know what the difference is?). I’m not a huge fan of the B&W stuff. Personally I think it’s price /performance isn’t as good as some other products. On the other hand I do like the looks of the CDM series.
He will use this system for rock and HT. Most of the rock is not high fidelity stuff but he occasionally will toss is classical stuff.
Please let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Nikki