AV receiver selection for Dali Zensor 1 speakers

FlipFlop

FlipFlop

FlipFlop

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114
Hey all :)

Looking for a little AV receiver advice if you would be so kind, I thank you in advance!

After much research over the last 6 weeks I've settled on getting the Dali Zensor 1 5.1 speakers and I'm now a bit stuck on selecting on AV receiver to go with them.

I had initially got a price match on the Denon x2000 with Wharfedale DX 1 speakers but decided that I would be willing to go over budget on some better speakers to avoid wanting an upgrade on them in a few years time. I really like the Dalis and feel they will last as in future I can add a couple of floorstanders to make 7.1.

So AV receiver wise I've been looking at the Yamaha RX V675 and the Sony STR-DN1040 as well as the Denon x2000.

I realise that some people may recommend going to a higher end AV receiver such as Yamaha Aventage to compliment the Dalis but I really must draw the line somewhere having initially only intending to spend £570.

I'm happy to put in an extra few hundred now to get speakers I will really enjoy and maybe in future make a receiver upgrade.

I'd been advised against the Sony due to HDMI issues however I notice a few owners on here seem very happy with it.

The Yamaha review I read on What HiFi stated issues with dialogue volume in movies although I've heard many good things about this receiver too.

I will be using the receiver mostly for movies but will most likely play Spotify from my Andoid device so the receiver needn't necessarily have it. I have Xbox One and Virgin Tivo.

I don't own Apple products so Airplay is irrelevant to me and Wifi connectivity is not a necessity as the receiver will sit near a router. I will be looking to get a NAS in the future to play Movies and Music from too.

I'll be going to Richer Sounds to listen to some receivers at some point but any information from you guys would be highly appreciated.

I look forward to reading you comments - thank you!
 
I own a Denon x2000 with Dali Zensor 5, 5.1.

I rate it all highly, the setup of the amp is nice and easy (although I do need to spend some time this week perfecting it). The feature set is good and the sound quality has been fantastic. Ive had issues with dialogue being too low in some circumstances but I managed to adjust levels and Ive found a good balance now.

For £300 I think its a good buy. Some people will prefer the alternatives but Im pleased.
 
FlipFlop said:
I'll be going to Richer Sounds to listen to some receivers at some point but any information from you guys would be highly appreciated.
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Best plan of attack TBH. I'd take some music and a DVD/Blu-ray of your choice too to help you decide. :)
 
Cheers for the input there guys - The Denon is the only one I haven't heard anything negative about so that must say something! Do you also use it for music Finglis? How is that?

I had noticed that open box 5 kit yesterday but didn't give it a very good look, you're correct it's basically the same price as the 1s and as per the description they appear to be as good as new.

One thing that did make me overlook them was this quote from the What Hifi review:

If anything, this Dali Zensor 1 system is better. It’s easier to accommodate and even more consistently matched between the channels.
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http://www.whathifi.com/review/dali-zensor-1-51

I realise a lot of AV enthusiasts don't like to put much weight into those WhatHiFi reviews but reviews are all I have to go on until I ask you guys :)

Good suggestion that Grimley re: taking a DVD along too.

I suppose nobody can ultimately answer this problem for me and I need to get hands on, just as long as I know all sound good through the Dalis then that's a step forward.

I'll try to have a go of the Sony, Yamaha and Denon to make a decision.
 
Hi flipflop,

I've used the system for music but mainly just through Spotify and Mtv hd channels. The sound quality is fantastic. Crisp and with lots of depth. I'm not much good at reviewing sound sorry lol.

One thing I'll say though. If music is something you will be using it for regularly then the zensor 5 floor standers will deliver a better sound for you in stereo than zensor 1 in my opinion.
 
FinglisHobbit said:
And Id be tempted to go for this Open Box Zensor 5 5.1 setup http://exceptional-av.co.uk/speakers/home-cinema-packs/dali-zensor-5-speaker-package-open-box.html

Will come at a similar price to your Zensor 1s .
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Have you any idea exactly what I can expect from this open box set? I'm seriously considering them.

I've asked the store directly earlier today but still waiting to hear back.

Are they literally just opened and put back in the box or likely to have marks or worse potential issues with sound or faulty build quality hence returned?
 
FinglisHobbit said:
Also I think the Zensor 1 package comes with an e9f sub and not an e12f like with zensor 5. The extra few inches would give you more bragging rights :-D
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Haha yes 3 inches is the world to some people. I do agree with you regarding the 5s and music just worried as to what I'd be sent when 'open box'.

Thanks for all your helpful advice!
 
FlipFlop said:
Have you any idea exactly what I can expect from this open box set? I'm seriously considering them.

I've asked the store directly earlier today but still waiting to hear back.

Are they literally just opened and put back in the box or likely to have marks or worse potential issues with sound or faulty build quality hence returned?
Click to expand...

We'll after reading this thread I ended up buying the Dali 5.1 !!!!

Called up and they had no open box left at £999 so he offered me a brand new one for the same price :) hopefully it'll be good. Shoulda get here today.
 
Snow Munki you stole FlipFlops set :D

That's a damn good price though. I got mine bundled with my amp and it worked out about the same price. What colour did you go for?
 
Yeah lol I've been talking to them back and forth this afternoon since I got up off nights and they are saying no open box sets left and I have to pay full price for the Zensor 5s - which is a bit beyond my price range unfortunately!

Not sure what to do now as you've convinced me away from the Zensor 1s Finglis as I know I'll be using Spotify on them.
 
Not heard the 5's, but Zensor 1's are great little speakers, they have really impressed me paired with the Denon CEOL that I got for the GF a year or so back.
 
Lol, sorry if I stole your set !!!

I just called and spoke to Karl. He said all the open box ones were sold. Arrived today but haven't had a chance to open them yet :(
 
I've been offered £1029 for receiver with dali zensor 1 5.1

Or £1299 for receiver with open box dali zensor 5s.

It's strange because the zensor 1 5.1 are priced almost exactly the same as the zensor 5s open box when sold individually but when taking the 5s as a package it's 300 more.

What would you guys do?
 
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