Amp good enough for stereo ?

Things change I've changed · 10 Mar 2006 at 17:26

Cinema Amp good enough for stereo ?

I've decided to upgrade my old Cinema Receiver (Yamaha RX-V520RDS), the thing is I still enjoy watching the odd movie in 5.1 etc but more and more I'm using my amp for music listening, althougth my RX-V520RDS sound's ok it's just not good enough, I want something that gives my music a little more punch and a more refined sound, I allways feel that listening to music on my currunt amp the music feels a little distant (sorry I'm not very good at explaining this sort of thing),

I would like to upgrade to a better Cinema Amp/Receiver but one that will sound better in stereo, I don't have a very big budget, around £350 tops, I've had a good look around and for the money this seems like good value but the question is will it be a big improvement over my RX-V520RDS

Yamaha DSPAX757SETITANIUM £322inc vat

Any other recommendations ?

9designs2 · 10 Mar 2006 at 17:39

Does you current AV amp have Pre Amp outputs for Left and Right ?

The best compromise would be to get a two channel stereo amp to sort the music, then plug the L+R preouts of an AV amp into the "AUX IN" on the stereo amp. (you will preset the volume when watching a film, and select Aux)

If it doesn't, look for a used Yamaha DSPE800, it's designed to work with a Stereo amp. (£80-100 on auction) Then 200-250 on a Stereo amp.

The way I use to do it, to preserve the music.

Things change I've changed · 10 Mar 2006 at 17:46

9designs2 said:
Does you current AV amp have Pre Amp outputs for Left and Right ?

No and I really wish it had

The best compromise would be to get a two channel stereo amp to sort the music, then plug the L+R preouts of an AV amp into the "AUX IN" on the stereo amp. (you will preset the volume when watching a film, and select Aux)

If it doesn't, look for a used Yamaha DSPE800, it's designed to work with a Stereo amp. (£80-100 on auction) Then 200-250 on a Stereo amp.

The way I use to do it, to preserve the music.

I'll have to look into that then, tbh i'd rather have it all intergrated but you have given me an option if a ciniema amp can't be found that sounds any good in stereo

james.miller · 10 Mar 2006 at 17:48

if you only want another amp for better stereo performance, you'll be better of paying half that budget on a stereo amp and pairing that with your current yamaha.

Things change I've changed · 10 Mar 2006 at 17:59

james.miller said:
if you only want another amp for better stereo performance, you'll be better of paying half that budget on a stereo amp and pairing that with your current yamaha.

That could be a better option but how would I wire it in so that my currunt yamaha and a new stereo amp both power my main front L&R speakers together, would I need somekind of switch box ?

9designs2 · 10 Mar 2006 at 18:08

Which is why I made my suggestion !!!!
But as you don't have pre outs your stuck !!!!!

It's change both or or get a much better AV amp. (or forget 5.1 for films and just use stereo)

AV amp can sound just as good as a stereo one, BUT it will cost much more, as it does a lot of extra stuff for your money....

james.miller · 10 Mar 2006 at 18:11

bah i didnt realise that. Look on the 'bay. you can get some fantastic bargains on there these days. My mate picked up a yamaha rx-v620rds for £80 the other day

Things change I've changed · 10 Mar 2006 at 18:20

9designs2 said:
Which is why I made my suggestion !!!!
But as you don't have pre outs your stuck !!!!!

Right I see sorry, I'm bit slow today.

It's change both or or get a much better AV amp. (or forget 5.1 for films and just use stereo)

AV amp can sound just as good as a stereo one, BUT it will cost much more, as it does a lot of extra stuff for your money....

So basicly the £322 Yamaha DSPAX757S ain't gonna cut it then for decent stereo, so what do you have to spend on a av amp to get good stereo sound ?, I maybie could widen my budget it just means not upgrading my pc for a while.

james.miller · 10 Mar 2006 at 18:21

2nd hand av amp >£150 and a stereo amp to partner it. That will do you well mate

9designs2 · 10 Mar 2006 at 18:32

james.miller said:
2nd hand av amp >£150 and a stereo amp to partner it. That will do you well mate

I knew you would see it my way in the end

Best/cheapest AV processor for music, and going at bargain price on auction these days would be a LINN AV5103, budget around £800, (new was £3200) plus power amps for each pair of speakers you plan to use, it's a pre amp only...... I guess we don't need to go down that route any further

james.miller · 10 Mar 2006 at 18:34

9designs2 said:
I knew you would see it my way in the end

Best/cheapest AV processor for music, and going at bargain price on auction these days would be a LINN AV5103, budget around £800, (new was £3200) plus power amps for each pair of speakers you plan to use, it's a pre amp only...... I guess we don't need to go down that route any further

i've always seen it that way lol im looking for another stereo amp for my setup actually.

Matblack · 10 Mar 2006 at 18:39

9designs2 said:
I knew you would see it my way in the end

OUR way

MB