Advice on which Home Cinema amp

Triamp9

Triamp9

Triamp9

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18 Sep 2008
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107
Location
Newark UK
Just got my self a Panasonic TX-P50GT50B TV and DMP-BDT500 Blu Ray player and am looking for a 7.1 amp with 3d capability to go with them.

Budget is up to £300 and the amp will be used mostly with Blu Ray and occasional music.

So far there seem to be a few choices ie Yamaha, Onkyo, Sony, Denon and all have good reviews and pluses and minuses for different things. It will initially be set up in a smallish room (11x10) with some old Mordaunt short speakers until the bank account is looking a bit healthier again and I can upgrade these.

I'd like something that you don't need a degree in physics to set up along with a fairly simple remote but of course sound quality is the number 1 priority.

If anyone has a similar TV and Blu Ray to mine I'd be interested to know what amp you're using and how you get on with it.

Any help appreciated,

Cheers, T9
 
Are you looking at buying new? You would get more for your money secondhand, I'm selling a Pioneer LX53 on AVForums though a little above your budget.
 
Nick1881 said:
Are you looking at buying new? You would get more for your money secondhand, I'm selling a Pioneer LX53 on AVForums though a little above your budget.
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Looks like a beast! Probably overkill for my requirements at the moment though. Also, Budget is an issue now having emptied the coffers with the TV and Blu Ray purchase.
 
I'd suggest the Pioneer VSX922 as an alternative. I've read a few horror stories about Onkyo receivers and reliablity so I would avoid buying one if it was me buying right now. :)
 
i would not touch a onkyo as ive tried a few of them and just dont sound clear to me i would go for the YAMAHA RXV573 or the pioneer.
 
Thanks for your replies.

I'm looking at the Onkyo TX-NR609 (or the newer version NR616), Denon AVR2113, Yamaha RXV473, Sony STR-DN1030 and the Pioneer mentioned above. Too much choice! :)

All seem to have quite a lot of features that I wouldn't use but things like the wi-fi built in to the Sony would be a bonus. The Onkyo looks pretty good value but I've read about firmware/reliability issues with some models. I'm liking the look and reviews of the Denon and Yamaha as well.

Soundwise I'd be looking towards warmer as opposed to clinical. Ease of use and a decent remote would be desirable as well. I just don't want to spend more time fiddling with the thing than I do listening to it!
 
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I've got the Denon 3312 and I love it, paired with a B&W 5.1 600 series speaker set, for movies using DTS it's just awesome.
 
with my ears when i listened to the 3 you chosen with my monitor audio speakers the Yamaha was warm and clear, the onkyo sounded muffled and the pioneer sounded more treble.

you really need to go into you local store and get them set the systems up for you to listen too with which ever speakers you are after, its the only way to be sure you get what you want.
 
Marv,

you're quite right of course re getting to a local store. Probably Richer Sounds in Cambridge would be my best bet but it's still a 120 mile round trip for me. I gave them a call and they are in agreement with you that the Yamaha would be the best choice for a warmer sound and I think the Yamahas may be less 'gizmo' orientated than many of the others which is not a concern for me.

Thanks for your advice.
 
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