help with AV receiver

[Marshmallowman]

I am going to buy a new AV receiver & maybe speakers (mains & maybe centre)

front runners at the moment

denon 1803

yamaha rx 630

I listened to the denon with jm some JM labs floor standing speakers, the model has just been superseded so I can get those speakers quite cheaply, also heard it with some soniques. Both sounded very nice.

The yamaha sounded suprisingly good, a lot better than the older models I have heard before, I listened to it with a full set of bmw something speakers?

any suggestions/ideas about the above or similar stuff in the same price range?

[BuddMan]

Depends a lot on what features you want with the reciever. I looked into a lot of them when I thought of getting a home theater setup (still working on that one, hehe). Both models listed are good recievers. I guess it goes down to your own preferences and needs. However, a bit off topic, but for speakers I'd recommend these. I've listened to a pair of 550s and was blown away. I'll be looking to buy a set with an HSU sub in the summer.

[K6-III]

My suggestion is the Outlaw Audio 1050 reciever.

As for speakers I've been very happy with my KEF Q1's for music purposes....

Here are the brands I'd have you check for speakers:

KEF
Totem
Monitor Audio
Dynaudio(what the hell???)
PSB
Energy
Axiom

Stay away from Paradigm....very overhyped....

There may be more.....but they don't come to mind right now...

[Joel]

Moved to the General Hardware/Software Forum.

Joel

[Marshmallowman]

hmm... have not seen/heard those speakers while I have been searching around, may be different branding down here in oz.

i am thinking the denon receiver might be the go, it has a better remote and can do 7.1 if I use another stereo amp, and from all indications very reliable.

feature wise they both have everything I require.

6.1, optical out, more than 3 optical in, component video and very good stereo quality. (movies are not everything)

Joel, I am suprised there is no music/audio forum yet

[Marshmallowman]

I really want some mains that are good for music, but I have to be able to match them in with a good centre and surrounds.

[K6-III]

KEF's are british, so they may be easier to get in OZ....

Outlaw is mail order only, from the US....

PSB, Paradigm, Axiom, Totem, Monitor Audio are all from Canada....so don't know.....

The curved cabinet on KEF's reduces standing waves.....plus they look absolutely kickass...

Here are some pics of my setup:

[Marshmallowman]

I am looking into the kefs, would those be any good in a larger area. I want the speakers for the main living area/entertainment area.

[Wombat]

Those were <B>B&W</B> speakers. Arguably the best speakers in most price classes under a couple grand. I have a pair of the S3 602.5 speakers.
<IMG SRC="http://www.bwspeakers.com/images\photoItem\602.5_Sorrento_Spec.jpg">

I have them hooked up to a Denon amp, and things sound great. Don't make your purchase until KvH can come in here and fill you in, he's a Yamaha dealer.

If you're doing a larger space though, you'll want either floorstanding speakers, or a subwoofer to go along with the deal.

[KvHagedorn]

Yep.. stick with Yamaha or Denon in the mainstream receiver area..

I sell B&W too and would take a look at the CDM1-NTs if you can swing it.. my favorite speakers in the somewhat affordable range.

[Marshmallowman]

Yes I did some early research a couple of months back and was impressed by a pair of B&W's...which in the AU $1000 price range...I guess thats about $500 US?.

oh....yes I actually listened to them yesteday, very nice...But $2200AU(not including stands) is just to much more than I can really aford to spend on speakers right now.

do you know anything about Krix an Australian brand.

[K6-III]

I got my Q1's for $320 shipped used....

The main benefit to the KEF UniQ Coaxial driver design is that it gives an amazingly wide sweet spot and works very well for smaller rooms. I've heard them in larger rooms as well, where they sound very nice....

Seeing as you're in relatively close proximity to Singapore, I'd suggest you give Norh a look as well....

[MetalCartman]

I bought a Yamaha 630 Titanium(?) three weeks ago and am very satisfied with the sound quality and the various DSP programs. Even bad recordings sound good with it....

[VJ]

For what it's worth, when I went out to buy an amplifier (no home theater, no receiver), I opted for the Onkyo Integra 9711. I initially ordered a pair of B&W speakers (don't remember the model), but after hearing a pair of Quadral Argent 70 on an Onkyo, I quickly changed my order.

Basically, you should match speakers and amplifier, some speakers sound better with certain amplifiers.

If you want to be exotic, go for a couple of Floating Systems speakers (not cheap and very hard to find though), my sister-in-law has these

http://www.floating-systems.be/synthese2.htm

in combination with a Sfinx amplifier (seperate power amps), and it sounds like a dream...


Jörg

[Maggi]

I'm more than just happy with my Denon AVR-1802 ...

Especially Dolby ProLogic II gave me a whole new sound experience when listening my favourite music.