new amp

mclarenf1 · 23-08-2008, 19:07

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...C=SO&U=strat15

Is that amp okay? before, ive used my DVD player, and im upgrading it to a blu-ray player, so im looking for a new amp.

Any idea on what speakers i shoudl go for? Budget is limited though (new tv and such already done)

ntlhellworld · 23-08-2008, 19:34

7Watts to the rear speakers ? Avoid.

I would recommend a amp like this: http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...id=YAMA-RXV361

With these speakers: http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...id=YAMA-NSP110

-Chris

fmradiotuner1 · 23-08-2008, 19:35

I have not heard of that make before and would save up a bit more and go for a make like Sony , Pioneer or ONKYO and YAMAHA

You will need speakers like these to go with it to

http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...fm/Category/85

And you can get better amps here

http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...fm/category/79

sancheeez · 23-08-2008, 19:39

OK for what?

It's about as cheap as an amp can get so I wouldn't expect miracles from it.

Personally, I'd save a bit more and go for something a bit better that will last for year if I were you.

Yamaha make some excellent budget amps. Something like this:

http://www.digitaldirect.co.uk/produ...FRKS1QodPzMFkg

Would give you years of use and would work really well with your blu ray player. Almost 5 times the price I know, but probably 10x better than a £60 effort from Maplin.

Plus .... if you want to really get the benefit of your amp, you'll need to spend a decent amount on speakers. I'd imagine you're going to want 2 x fronts, 2 x rears/surrounds and a centre .... at least. Add a woofer and 2 additional side/rear speakers for full 7.1!

What is your overall budget for the amp and speakers?

You may even be better off looking at second hand stuff. You'll get a lot more for your money and the decent stuff lasts for donkeys so if you buy off an audiophile, you'll know it's been looked after.

mclarenf1 · 23-08-2008, 23:40

I wasnt sure if it would be good as ive not been in the proper amp market before (i use a DVD home cinema at the moment)

I only really need the 5.1 and not so the 7.1 (have 7.1 on my pc and i never use the side speakers). Budget was around £200 - £250 (£300 tops) and i read that you need good speakers.

I'd be putting 3 things on it - Sky HD, Blu-Ray player and my Xbox 360 (if that would work) (can you get an optical adapter? as i noticed on the yamaha one it only has 2 optical inputs

AlosondroAlegré · 24-08-2008, 03:55

as sancheeez says, you would probably benefit from getting some well looked after 2nd hand gear, of which there are plenty. 7.1 isn't really necessary at this point. join some av forums that have classifieds and you'll find plenty of quality items.

you'll need more cables and wires if you're moving on to separates. DON'T spend money on expensive cables. at budget level it just isn't worth it. hdmi/optical cables should cost no more than a couple of quid each. speaker wire can be had for £1 a metre and should suffice, amazon is a good place to buy.

gagde · 24-08-2008, 09:49

Sorry too jump in what speakers would you suggest for this please.

http://www.sony.co.uk/product/hcs-ho...iver/str-db798

Deacon1972 · 24-08-2008, 10:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlosondroAlegré

7.1 isn't really necessary at this point.

As they are going to be connecting Bluray I would say 7.1 was worth considering myself.

fmradiotuner1 · 24-08-2008, 10:23

This system may be good for what you need

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/1112...cinema-sy.html

It comes with speakers to.

Deacon1972 · 24-08-2008, 10:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by gagde

Sorry too jump in what speakers would you suggest for this please.

http://www.sony.co.uk/product/hcs-ho...iver/str-db798

Depends on what you have/want to spend.

Yamaha NSP 110 speaker package £80

Tannoy FX5.1 speaker package £120

Tannoy EFX5.1 £150 (only in silver)

All the above can be bought from Richer Sounds.

Q Acoustic do a speaker package for £499, the 1010i which has had very good reviews.

You could also look at building a package up yourself from companies like Tannoy, Mission, B&W.

mclarenf1 · 24-08-2008, 11:36

I know you say to join an AV forum however I'm not so comfortable sending a few hundred quid to a person i dont know, and with the fear of not receiving the item.

I know ebay is similer but i hardly use ebay as ive been stung with that before (and i dont trust paypal after reading forums like paypalsucks.com and such)

So while that would have been the better option, i am not as comfortable doing that as i would be to go in to a shop or to go to a website and buy from there.

if that makes sence

sancheeez · 24-08-2008, 12:05

I know where you're coming from.

In which case (I see you're in Edinburgh ... same here) Richer Sounds is probably your best bet.

If you buy the amp and speakers, throw in a bit of humming and haaing and general banter, you can try and get the speaker cabling off them for free! (I did! .... long time ago buy I was buying a DVD/Amp/Speaker package much like yourself)

I'd try and go to you maximum £300 as well. If you want good AV gear, that will last, spend as much as you are able.

In which case, I'd have a look at:

http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...d=SONY-STRK880

With

http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...ANN-EFX5.1-SIL

Mate of mine has a very similar setup and it sounds pretty decent. You also have the scope to add an extra rear centre with that amp if you wan to do so at some point.

You're not going to get a 7.1 amp without breaking you bdget considerably.

For me, next step up in speakers would involve buying them all as separates (floorstanders etc) and you're not going to able to do that on your budget either.

Have a browse round the RS site. There were a few other amp/speakers combos that fitted your budget but, for what you want to use it for, and the amount you can spend, the two above would the first two I'd look over instore.

Speak to the guys instore as well. You may pick up a stray clearance item if you're lucky. Nothing on the website for the edinburgh stor just now but you never know.

paulr2006 · 24-08-2008, 12:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by mclarenf1

I know you say to join an AV forum however I'm not so comfortable sending a few hundred quid to a person i dont know, and with the fear of not receiving the item.

I know ebay is similer but i hardly use ebay as ive been stung with that before (and i dont trust paypal after reading forums like paypalsucks.com and such)

So while that would have been the better option, i am not as comfortable doing that as i would be to go in to a shop or to go to a website and buy from there.

if that makes sence

I don't know why you are concerned about ebay, I have done over 300 transactions without a single hitch & have 100% feedback! look for a quality name manufacturer & check out the sellers feedback, the more he/she has in terms of transactions & the higher the percentage of feedback the better. I have purchased over £2500 of Hi Fi equipment this way. Just avoide the idiots (easy to spot) & these are the ones who complain about paypal etc. if you buy & sell by the the rules you should not have any problems. Also try & look for product listings near you that don't object to collection & pay cash on collection when your sure the goods are as described, most vendors will be happy to Demo the equipment if they have nothing to hide.

gagde · 24-08-2008, 12:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deacon1972

Depends on what you have/want to spend.

Yamaha NSP 110 speaker package £80

Tannoy FX5.1 speaker package £120

Tannoy EFX5.1 £150 (only in silver)

All the above can be bought from Richer Sounds.

Q Acoustic do a speaker package for £499, the 1010i which has had very good reviews.

You could also look at building a package up yourself from companies like Tannoy, Mission, B&W.

Thanks i will have a gander the sony i picked up on sat last one in the shop ex display £100 off.

Already have speakers but no sub am thinking off getting this one.

http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...=GALE-4070-MAP

gagde · 24-08-2008, 14:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by gagde

Thanks i will have a gander the sony i picked up on sat last one in the shop ex display £100 off.

Already have speakers but no sub am thinking off getting this one.

http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...=GALE-4070-MAP

Have settled for these.

Subwoofer-
http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...=GALE-4070-MAP

Centre speaker-
http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...=GALE-4050-MAP

front and rear-
http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...GALE-3010S-BCH

Hope these are okay any tips.

paulr2006 · 24-08-2008, 16:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by gagde

Have settled for these.

Subwoofer-
http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...=GALE-4070-MAP

Centre speaker-
http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...=GALE-4050-MAP

front and rear-
http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...GALE-3010S-BCH

Hope these are okay any tips.

Obviously it depends upon your budget & if you can accomodate any larger floorstanders for the front pair, if so then these would make quite a difference; http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...=GALE-4040-MAP

If not then what you have selected will give you a good entry level set of speakers.

If possible get some reasonable speaker cable, the QED silver Aniversery is a fantastic detailed cable without breaking the bank, even the "Mini" version is a great cable & costs around £2.50 per metre but it's worth every penny. I have tried numerous cables over the years but have found little to match the Silver Aniversery in detail, clarity & solid Bass punch.

gagde · 24-08-2008, 16:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulr2006

Obviously it depends upon your budget & if you can accomodate any larger floorstanders for the front pair, if so then these would make quite a difference; http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...=GALE-4040-MAP

If not then what you have selected will give you a good entry level set of speakers.

If possible get some reasonable speaker cable, the QED silver Aniversery is a fantastic detailed cable without breaking the bank, even the "Mini" version is a great cable & costs around £2.50 per metre but it's worth every penny. I have tried numerous cables over the years but have found little to match the Silver Aniversery in detail, clarity & solid Bass punch.

Thanks for advice this is pretty new to me in the past have got all in ones.

paulr2006 · 24-08-2008, 17:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by gagde

Thanks for advice this is pretty new to me in the past have got all in ones.

This will be a "proper" one which will be a big improvement over the all in ones

AlosondroAlegré · 24-08-2008, 18:22

Tannoy 6.1 speaker package £116 - Bargain. Snap it up!

just add a budget amp and you're laughing, mclarenf1

sancheeez · 24-08-2008, 18:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlosondroAlegré

Tannoy 6.1 speaker package £116 - Bargain. Snap it up!

just add a budget amp and you're laughing, mclarenf1

Spot on!

Thats a better set (the same set but with an extra rear speaker) than the Richer Sounds one I linked to and £35 cheaper!

Dunno how much delivery is but unless it's about £30 or something (unlikely) then that is indeed a scoop!

mclarenf1 · 24-08-2008, 23:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlosondroAlegré

Tannoy 6.1 speaker package £116 - Bargain. Snap it up!

just add a budget amp and you're laughing, mclarenf1

Quote:

Originally Posted by sancheeez

Spot on!

Thats a better set (the same set but with an extra rear speaker) than the Richer Sounds one I linked to and £35 cheaper!

Dunno how much delivery is but unless it's about £30 or something (unlikely) then that is indeed a scoop!

Thanks guys, i like the look of those speakers, and it does seem cheaper too - Ive been looking at amps in the links supplied above and ive seen this one

http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...roduct_ID/2912

Do you think that would be okay? it says 7.1 so would be good for future proofing i think.

That means with that amp and speakers comes to £320 so not that much over my budget.

Or is there not much difference between the Yamaha RXV361 and the SONY STRDA1200ES?

sancheeez · 24-08-2008, 23:53

The Sony is a fair whack better by the look of it. If you can afford it, go for it I'd say.

Mind you ..... looking at the Superfi site, there is also a Pioneer, Denon and an Onkyo at the same price. Tough choice! I'd be doing a bit reading up on all four ....

It may be worth joining AVForums and putting a thread on there see if you get any hands on opinions ....

Deacon1972 · 25-08-2008, 11:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by mclarenf1

Thanks guys, i like the look of those speakers, and it does seem cheaper too - Ive been looking at amps in the links supplied above and ive seen this one

http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...roduct_ID/2912

Do you think that would be okay? it says 7.1 so would be good for future proofing i think.

That means with that amp and speakers comes to £320 so not that much over my budget.

Or is there not much difference between the Yamaha RXV361 and the SONY STRDA1200ES?

The Sony would be fine but I would seriously look at the Denon AVR1708 also on Superfi at the same price, especially if you are looking at adding a Bluray player. The Denon will allow you to assign the HDMI for audio and video whereas the Sony just allows video switching via HDMI.

Bluray's HD audio (Dolby Digital True HD and DTS HD Master Audio) will be available to you through the Denon but not through the Sony as you are limited to optical/coaxial inputs, HD audio is not available through these connections.

If you are looking at the power (watts) don't be fooled into thinking the Sony is a real power house because it is not - The power rating on the Denon is more powerful giving 7x75watts @ 8ohms, the Sony is only 7x100watts @ 4ohms.

Both nice units in their own right, out the two the Denon is a far better unit IMO.

mclarenf1 · 25-08-2008, 12:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deacon1972

The Sony would be fine but I would seriously look at the Denon AVR1708 also on Superfi at the same price, especially if you are looking at adding a Bluray player. The Denon will allow you to assign the HDMI for audio and video whereas the Sony just allows video switching via HDMI.

Bluray's HD audio (Dolby Digital True HD and DTS HD Master Audio) will be available to you through the Denon but not through the Sony as you are limited to optical/coaxial inputs, HD audio is not available through these connections.

If you are looking at the power (watts) don't be fooled into thinking the Sony is a real power house because it is not - The power rating on the Denon is more powerful giving 7x75watts @ 8ohms, the Sony is only 7x100watts @ 4ohms.

Both nice units in their own right, out the two the Denon is a far better unit IMO.

Im not too sure waht ohms is or means, and i did look at the watts.

One thing that i wasnt too sure about was the HDMI part as, if i put my bluray player and sky HD box (both via HDMI) do i plug them in to the amp and then a single lead from the amp to the TV?

I only know of the way of the optical cable.

The back of the denon unit looks very complicated lol.

Deacon1972 · 25-08-2008, 13:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by mclarenf1

Im not too sure waht ohms is or means, and i did look at the watts.

ohms is basically how much the amp has to work, the Sony amp has to work twice as hard to produce the same volume (db) as the Denon. At 8ohms the Sony is only 50watts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mclarenf1

One thing that i wasnt too sure about was the HDMI part as, if i put my bluray player and sky HD box (both via HDMI) do i plug them in to the amp and then a single lead from the amp to the TV?

I only know of the way of the optical cable.

The back of the denon unit looks very complicated lol.

You can connect in various ways.

I have Sky HD and PS3 connected to my amp via HDMI then one HDMI going to the TV, this is because my TV has only one HDMI input, even if the TV had two inputs I would still connect this way as I have to switch the amp on to get the audio from Sky/Bluray anyway.

With Sky you would still need an optical connection to the amp as DD5.1 is not available via HDMI.

This would be the way I would connect as it gives DD5.1 from Sky and all HD audio from Bluray.

The Denon does look complicated at first but it's really rather simple to work with and setup.

23-08-2008, 19:07	#1
mclarenf1 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Posts: 3,062	new amp http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...C=SO&U=strat15 Is that amp okay? before, ive used my DVD player, and im upgrading it to a blu-ray player, so im looking for a new amp. Any idea on what speakers i shoudl go for? Budget is limited though (new tv and such already done)

23-08-2008, 19:34	#2
ntlhellworld Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 2,649	7Watts to the rear speakers ? Avoid. I would recommend a amp like this: http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...id=YAMA-RXV361 With these speakers: http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...id=YAMA-NSP110 -Chris

23-08-2008, 19:35	#3
fmradiotuner1 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: TheEssexSunshineCoast Clacton Posts: 15,220	I have not heard of that make before and would save up a bit more and go for a make like Sony , Pioneer or ONKYO and YAMAHA You will need speakers like these to go with it to http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...fm/Category/85 And you can get better amps here http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...fm/category/79

23-08-2008, 19:39	#4
sancheeez Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,762	OK for what? It's about as cheap as an amp can get so I wouldn't expect miracles from it. Personally, I'd save a bit more and go for something a bit better that will last for year if I were you. Yamaha make some excellent budget amps. Something like this: http://www.digitaldirect.co.uk/produ...FRKS1QodPzMFkg Would give you years of use and would work really well with your blu ray player. Almost 5 times the price I know, but probably 10x better than a £60 effort from Maplin. Plus .... if you want to really get the benefit of your amp, you'll need to spend a decent amount on speakers. I'd imagine you're going to want 2 x fronts, 2 x rears/surrounds and a centre .... at least. Add a woofer and 2 additional side/rear speakers for full 7.1! What is your overall budget for the amp and speakers? You may even be better off looking at second hand stuff. You'll get a lot more for your money and the decent stuff lasts for donkeys so if you buy off an audiophile, you'll know it's been looked after.

23-08-2008, 23:40	#5
mclarenf1 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Posts: 3,062	I wasnt sure if it would be good as ive not been in the proper amp market before (i use a DVD home cinema at the moment) I only really need the 5.1 and not so the 7.1 (have 7.1 on my pc and i never use the side speakers). Budget was around £200 - £250 (£300 tops) and i read that you need good speakers. I'd be putting 3 things on it - Sky HD, Blu-Ray player and my Xbox 360 (if that would work) (can you get an optical adapter? as i noticed on the yamaha one it only has 2 optical inputs

24-08-2008, 03:55	#6
AlosondroAlegré Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 131	as sancheeez says, you would probably benefit from getting some well looked after 2nd hand gear, of which there are plenty. 7.1 isn't really necessary at this point. join some av forums that have classifieds and you'll find plenty of quality items. you'll need more cables and wires if you're moving on to separates. DON'T spend money on expensive cables. at budget level it just isn't worth it. hdmi/optical cables should cost no more than a couple of quid each. speaker wire can be had for £1 a metre and should suffice, amazon is a good place to buy.

24-08-2008, 09:49	#7
gagde Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: staffs Posts: 3,808	Sorry too jump in what speakers would you suggest for this please. http://www.sony.co.uk/product/hcs-ho...iver/str-db798

24-08-2008, 10:15	#8
Deacon1972 Guest Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 8,103	Quote: Originally Posted by AlosondroAlegré 7.1 isn't really necessary at this point. As they are going to be connecting Bluray I would say 7.1 was worth considering myself.

24-08-2008, 10:23	#9
fmradiotuner1 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: TheEssexSunshineCoast Clacton Posts: 15,220	This system may be good for what you need http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/1112...cinema-sy.html It comes with speakers to.

24-08-2008, 10:24	#10
Deacon1972 Guest Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 8,103	Quote: Originally Posted by gagde Sorry too jump in what speakers would you suggest for this please. http://www.sony.co.uk/product/hcs-ho...iver/str-db798 Depends on what you have/want to spend. Yamaha NSP 110 speaker package £80 Tannoy FX5.1 speaker package £120 Tannoy EFX5.1 £150 (only in silver) All the above can be bought from Richer Sounds. Q Acoustic do a speaker package for £499, the 1010i which has had very good reviews. You could also look at building a package up yourself from companies like Tannoy, Mission, B&W.

24-08-2008, 11:36	#11
mclarenf1 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Posts: 3,062	I know you say to join an AV forum however I'm not so comfortable sending a few hundred quid to a person i dont know, and with the fear of not receiving the item. I know ebay is similer but i hardly use ebay as ive been stung with that before (and i dont trust paypal after reading forums like paypalsucks.com and such) So while that would have been the better option, i am not as comfortable doing that as i would be to go in to a shop or to go to a website and buy from there. if that makes sence

24-08-2008, 12:05	#12
sancheeez Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,762	I know where you're coming from. In which case (I see you're in Edinburgh ... same here) Richer Sounds is probably your best bet. If you buy the amp and speakers, throw in a bit of humming and haaing and general banter, you can try and get the speaker cabling off them for free! (I did! .... long time ago buy I was buying a DVD/Amp/Speaker package much like yourself) I'd try and go to you maximum £300 as well. If you want good AV gear, that will last, spend as much as you are able. In which case, I'd have a look at: http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...d=SONY-STRK880 With http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...ANN-EFX5.1-SIL Mate of mine has a very similar setup and it sounds pretty decent. You also have the scope to add an extra rear centre with that amp if you wan to do so at some point. You're not going to get a 7.1 amp without breaking you bdget considerably. For me, next step up in speakers would involve buying them all as separates (floorstanders etc) and you're not going to able to do that on your budget either. Have a browse round the RS site. There were a few other amp/speakers combos that fitted your budget but, for what you want to use it for, and the amount you can spend, the two above would the first two I'd look over instore. Speak to the guys instore as well. You may pick up a stray clearance item if you're lucky. Nothing on the website for the edinburgh stor just now but you never know.

24-08-2008, 12:05	#13
paulr2006 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Nottinghamshire Posts: 1,098	Quote: Originally Posted by mclarenf1 I know you say to join an AV forum however I'm not so comfortable sending a few hundred quid to a person i dont know, and with the fear of not receiving the item. I know ebay is similer but i hardly use ebay as ive been stung with that before (and i dont trust paypal after reading forums like paypalsucks.com and such) So while that would have been the better option, i am not as comfortable doing that as i would be to go in to a shop or to go to a website and buy from there. if that makes sence I don't know why you are concerned about ebay, I have done over 300 transactions without a single hitch & have 100% feedback! look for a quality name manufacturer & check out the sellers feedback, the more he/she has in terms of transactions & the higher the percentage of feedback the better. I have purchased over £2500 of Hi Fi equipment this way. Just avoide the idiots (easy to spot) & these are the ones who complain about paypal etc. if you buy & sell by the the rules you should not have any problems. Also try & look for product listings near you that don't object to collection & pay cash on collection when your sure the goods are as described, most vendors will be happy to Demo the equipment if they have nothing to hide.

24-08-2008, 12:31	#14
gagde Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: staffs Posts: 3,808	Quote: Originally Posted by Deacon1972 Depends on what you have/want to spend. Yamaha NSP 110 speaker package £80 Tannoy FX5.1 speaker package £120 Tannoy EFX5.1 £150 (only in silver) All the above can be bought from Richer Sounds. Q Acoustic do a speaker package for £499, the 1010i which has had very good reviews. You could also look at building a package up yourself from companies like Tannoy, Mission, B&W. Thanks i will have a gander the sony i picked up on sat last one in the shop ex display £100 off. Already have speakers but no sub am thinking off getting this one. http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...=GALE-4070-MAP

24-08-2008, 14:33	#15
gagde Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: staffs Posts: 3,808	Quote: Originally Posted by gagde Thanks i will have a gander the sony i picked up on sat last one in the shop ex display £100 off. Already have speakers but no sub am thinking off getting this one. http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...=GALE-4070-MAP Have settled for these. Subwoofer- http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...=GALE-4070-MAP Centre speaker- http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...=GALE-4050-MAP front and rear- http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...GALE-3010S-BCH Hope these are okay any tips.

24-08-2008, 16:32	#16
paulr2006 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Nottinghamshire Posts: 1,098	Quote: Originally Posted by gagde Have settled for these. Subwoofer- http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...=GALE-4070-MAP Centre speaker- http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...=GALE-4050-MAP front and rear- http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...GALE-3010S-BCH Hope these are okay any tips. Obviously it depends upon your budget & if you can accomodate any larger floorstanders for the front pair, if so then these would make quite a difference; http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...=GALE-4040-MAP If not then what you have selected will give you a good entry level set of speakers. If possible get some reasonable speaker cable, the QED silver Aniversery is a fantastic detailed cable without breaking the bank, even the "Mini" version is a great cable & costs around £2.50 per metre but it's worth every penny. I have tried numerous cables over the years but have found little to match the Silver Aniversery in detail, clarity & solid Bass punch.

24-08-2008, 16:46	#17
gagde Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: staffs Posts: 3,808	Quote: Originally Posted by paulr2006 Obviously it depends upon your budget & if you can accomodate any larger floorstanders for the front pair, if so then these would make quite a difference; http://www.richersounds.com/showprod...=GALE-4040-MAP If not then what you have selected will give you a good entry level set of speakers. If possible get some reasonable speaker cable, the QED silver Aniversery is a fantastic detailed cable without breaking the bank, even the "Mini" version is a great cable & costs around £2.50 per metre but it's worth every penny. I have tried numerous cables over the years but have found little to match the Silver Aniversery in detail, clarity & solid Bass punch. Thanks for advice this is pretty new to me in the past have got all in ones.

24-08-2008, 17:59	#18
paulr2006 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Nottinghamshire Posts: 1,098	Quote: Originally Posted by gagde Thanks for advice this is pretty new to me in the past have got all in ones. This will be a "proper" one which will be a big improvement over the all in ones

24-08-2008, 18:22	#19
AlosondroAlegré Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 131	Tannoy 6.1 speaker package £116 - Bargain. Snap it up! just add a budget amp and you're laughing, mclarenf1

24-08-2008, 18:35	#20
sancheeez Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,762	Quote: Originally Posted by AlosondroAlegré Tannoy 6.1 speaker package £116 - Bargain. Snap it up! just add a budget amp and you're laughing, mclarenf1 Spot on! Thats a better set (the same set but with an extra rear speaker) than the Richer Sounds one I linked to and £35 cheaper! Dunno how much delivery is but unless it's about £30 or something (unlikely) then that is indeed a scoop!

24-08-2008, 23:02	#21
mclarenf1 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Posts: 3,062	Quote: Originally Posted by AlosondroAlegré Tannoy 6.1 speaker package £116 - Bargain. Snap it up! just add a budget amp and you're laughing, mclarenf1 Quote: Originally Posted by sancheeez Spot on! Thats a better set (the same set but with an extra rear speaker) than the Richer Sounds one I linked to and £35 cheaper! Dunno how much delivery is but unless it's about £30 or something (unlikely) then that is indeed a scoop! Thanks guys, i like the look of those speakers, and it does seem cheaper too - Ive been looking at amps in the links supplied above and ive seen this one http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...roduct_ID/2912 Do you think that would be okay? it says 7.1 so would be good for future proofing i think. That means with that amp and speakers comes to £320 so not that much over my budget. Or is there not much difference between the Yamaha RXV361 and the SONY STRDA1200ES?

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new amp

24-08-2008, 23:53	#22
sancheeez Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,762	The Sony is a fair whack better by the look of it. If you can afford it, go for it I'd say. Mind you ..... looking at the Superfi site, there is also a Pioneer, Denon and an Onkyo at the same price. Tough choice! I'd be doing a bit reading up on all four .... It may be worth joining AVForums and putting a thread on there see if you get any hands on opinions ....

25-08-2008, 11:54	#23
Deacon1972 Guest Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 8,103	Quote: Originally Posted by mclarenf1 Thanks guys, i like the look of those speakers, and it does seem cheaper too - Ive been looking at amps in the links supplied above and ive seen this one http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...roduct_ID/2912 Do you think that would be okay? it says 7.1 so would be good for future proofing i think. That means with that amp and speakers comes to £320 so not that much over my budget. Or is there not much difference between the Yamaha RXV361 and the SONY STRDA1200ES? The Sony would be fine but I would seriously look at the Denon AVR1708 also on Superfi at the same price, especially if you are looking at adding a Bluray player. The Denon will allow you to assign the HDMI for audio and video whereas the Sony just allows video switching via HDMI. Bluray's HD audio (Dolby Digital True HD and DTS HD Master Audio) will be available to you through the Denon but not through the Sony as you are limited to optical/coaxial inputs, HD audio is not available through these connections. If you are looking at the power (watts) don't be fooled into thinking the Sony is a real power house because it is not - The power rating on the Denon is more powerful giving 7x75watts @ 8ohms, the Sony is only 7x100watts @ 4ohms. Both nice units in their own right, out the two the Denon is a far better unit IMO.

25-08-2008, 12:58	#24
mclarenf1 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Posts: 3,062	Quote: Originally Posted by Deacon1972 The Sony would be fine but I would seriously look at the Denon AVR1708 also on Superfi at the same price, especially if you are looking at adding a Bluray player. The Denon will allow you to assign the HDMI for audio and video whereas the Sony just allows video switching via HDMI. Bluray's HD audio (Dolby Digital True HD and DTS HD Master Audio) will be available to you through the Denon but not through the Sony as you are limited to optical/coaxial inputs, HD audio is not available through these connections. If you are looking at the power (watts) don't be fooled into thinking the Sony is a real power house because it is not - The power rating on the Denon is more powerful giving 7x75watts @ 8ohms, the Sony is only 7x100watts @ 4ohms. Both nice units in their own right, out the two the Denon is a far better unit IMO. Im not too sure waht ohms is or means, and i did look at the watts. One thing that i wasnt too sure about was the HDMI part as, if i put my bluray player and sky HD box (both via HDMI) do i plug them in to the amp and then a single lead from the amp to the TV? I only know of the way of the optical cable. The back of the denon unit looks very complicated lol.

25-08-2008, 13:26	#25
Deacon1972 Guest Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 8,103	Quote: Originally Posted by mclarenf1 Im not too sure waht ohms is or means, and i did look at the watts. ohms is basically how much the amp has to work, the Sony amp has to work twice as hard to produce the same volume (db) as the Denon. At 8ohms the Sony is only 50watts. Quote: Originally Posted by mclarenf1 One thing that i wasnt too sure about was the HDMI part as, if i put my bluray player and sky HD box (both via HDMI) do i plug them in to the amp and then a single lead from the amp to the TV? I only know of the way of the optical cable. The back of the denon unit looks very complicated lol. You can connect in various ways. I have Sky HD and PS3 connected to my amp via HDMI then one HDMI going to the TV, this is because my TV has only one HDMI input, even if the TV had two inputs I would still connect this way as I have to switch the amp on to get the audio from Sky/Bluray anyway. With Sky you would still need an optical connection to the amp as DD5.1 is not available via HDMI. This would be the way I would connect as it gives DD5.1 from Sky and all HD audio from Bluray. The Denon does look complicated at first but it's really rather simple to work with and setup.