£18000 FOR AV AMPLIFIER AND SPEAKERS

[admin_exported]

Am new to the forum and am looking to buy an AV amplifier and speaker package for a home cinema setup.will be listening to music as well with the new speakers.

Have shortlisted the PMC Pb1i, Kef 205/2 and Monitor Audio Platinum .

i have a budget of £18000 to spend on the kit and speakers.

hoping to get some advice on this forum

 

[Anonymous]

I wish i had £18000 to spend!

Guessing Yamaha Z11 / Monitor Audio Platinium would be a great combo!

 

[Anonymous]

With that budget, and assuming you are for real and not just some guy living in fantasyland, you should get dealers to set up your ideal system and then decide for yourself.

 

[d4v3pum4]

Have you visited a dealer yet? I'm afraid your budget is far more than the majority of us mere mortals could dream of spending but maybe some premiership footballers lurk on the forums.....

Kef Reference speakers would be a good place to start.....

 

[Anonymous]

i have shortlisted the 3 speakers above and need assistance with matching them.

have the money available and ready to spend.

 

[Anonymous]

We need some more information, legit. Where are you going to be using this system? Will the space have any scope for acoustic treatment, or is it a multifunctional room, such as a living room? What do you already have in place regarding video sources and a display?

A cheaper system (in terms of its component parts) that has been correctly installed by a good dealer into an acoustically sound environment will deliver better sound than high-end components crammed into an ill-conceived installation. In other words, if you've got £18,000 to spend, don't just think about the electronics themselves: acoustics are hugely important too, so make sure you allow enough room in your budget for that aspect.

And, just as pertinently, if you don't already own a projector and a good screen, I'd heartily recommend you factor one into your budget. An £18,000 sound system really merits a commensurately large, high-quality display.

 

[Anonymous]

What hifi did an "ultimate guide to high end hifi" and this is a good starting point. I was lucky with my kit - got PL300 and Arcam AVR600 and they both came out top.

If you are newish to hifi, it may be worthwhile testing some cheaper kit - it helps clarify differences and understand what "style" you like and don't like. KEF reference for example sounds very different to MA Platinum. Then you'll definitely know what you don't like as the margins get smaller and smaller at your money.

Pick your dealer well, and spend as long as you can listening. I would definitely go to the Bristol hifi show - call in advance also the delears you are interested in.

 

[Anonymous]

thanks Andy,Wollyjoe

first and foremost i have an area of about 7metres to 6.5metres

secondly its an open plan living room area leading to the kitchen. just moved into this new home which i think merits this investment

have been to a local dealer to audition a few brands and these three were shortlisted for speakers.

Proac was the other brand i had in mind but the dealer does not stock it.

dealer seems to be keen on the Kef speakers even though i kind of like the sound of the Platinums. there is also the tight bass sound of the PMC which looks like my kind of missing piece.

All in all i will finally make a pick from possibly one of them even though i have some time for further auditioning.

thirdly this £18000 will include cables, and a blu ray player. i already own a brand new JVC DLAHD950

The electronics combination will be very importatnt so i will like some ideas and views of the shorlisted speakers and a partnering kit from people who have similar stuff .

 

[Sonic Dreamer]

legit:

Am new to the forum and am looking to buy an AV amplifier and speaker package for a home cinema setup.will be listening to music as well with the new speakers.

Have shortlisted the PMC Pb1i, Kef 205/2 and Monitor Audio Platinum .

i have a budget of £18000 to spend on the kit and speakers.

hoping to get some advice on this forum

Hi Legit,

With this kind of money I think you should consider speaking a a couple of "reference end" equipment dealers. If you live in London, KJ West or Grahams Hi-Fi would be good candidates. Also, Jordan Acoustics, who are based in Scotland are well worth talking to as they do 0% Finance deals on 10% deposits, which are quite rare these days. You may well have the cash, but if I was in your position, I'd like to keep the majority of it in my bank account longer and pay equal Interest Free instalments over 3 years. Jordan Acoustics have a good website too, which enables you to see what you can really spend if you want to, the sky is the limit!!!

Cheers,
SonicD

 

[TheHomeCinemaCentre]

You need to choose the sound that is right for you. With the budget you mention the Kef Ref paired with a Pioneer SC-LX90 would be one path I would consider. The Pioneer will drive the Kef's the best out of the big AV amps and will have enough grunt to fill your room without becoming harsh.

If you do not get on with the Kef sound then try to have a look at the Dali Helicon's. Whatever you do I would invest in a good sub as well, you have a large room and you will see the benefit of the extra bass.

 

[Anonymous]

thanks Sonicdreamer,Nick

i live in Newcastle and prepared to travel far and wide to audition other brands which are recommended which i feel will fit the bill

inputs so far has been appreciated

 

[Big Aura]

I assumed the title was a typo!

I'd go for either Arcam p777 / av888 combo or the Pioneer Susano for the amp, and Monitor Audio PL300 or B&W804 package for speakers.

Euromillions is £85m on Friday 5 February....

 

[Dave_]

legit:

i live in Newcastle and prepared to travel far and wide to audition other brands which are recommended which i feel will fit the bill

In which case i'd recommend visiting Lintone Audio-Gateshead,Music Matters-Darlington and Nick at The Home cinema Centre-Edinburgh for starters.

 

[Anonymous]

TheHomeCinemaCentre:

You need to choose the sound that is right for you. With the budget you mention the Kef Ref paired with a Pioneer SC-LX90 would be one path I would consider. The Pioneer will drive the Kef's the best out of the big AV amps and will have enough grunt to fill your room without becoming harsh.

If you do not get on with the Kef sound then try to have a look at the Dali Helicon's. Whatever you do I would invest in a good sub as well, you have a large room and you will see the benefit of the extra bass.

can i ask why you think the pioneer and kef reference will be the way to look

is it normal to like the sound of two brands of speakers?

do i need to buy a sub from the same brand of speakers?any particular brands to look out for?

thanks in advance

 

[Anonymous]

daveh75:legit:

i live in Newcastle and prepared to travel far and wide to audition other brands which are recommended which i feel will fit the bill

In which case i'd recommend visiting Lintone Audio-Gateshead,Music Matters-Darlington and Nick at The Home cinema Centre-Edinburgh for starters.

thanks daveh75,

will look into these dealers you have mentioned.Am so excited i have all these alternatives to look into.

 

[Anonymous]

Big Aura:

I assumed the title was a typo!

I'd go for either Arcam p777 / av888 combo or the Pioneer Susano for the amp, and Monitor Audio PL300 or B&W804 package for speakers.

Euromillions is £85m on Friday 5 February....

looks like Monitor audio is leading the race.will update you on how the next demo goes with the Dali speakers in the mix.

is it better to go for a pre/power or an integrated if you are spending that sort of money??

 

[aliEnRIK]

Id go for pre and power amps

Main thing really is the speakers as theyre what change change the overall sound

Personally I really like the Wilson Benesch range

 

[Anonymous]

aliEnRIK:

Id go for pre and power amps

Main thing really is the speakers as theyre what change change the overall sound

Personally I really like the Wilson Benesch range

with this sort of money is the Arcam the safest bet then?

 

[Big Aura]

the AVR600 was very much "bug heavy" when it was released. I'm not sure how it is now - there have been a large number of incremental fixes and patches.

The Pre/Power model, I've only seen in adverts. I've not heard it, or read a review (WHF - any pipeline plans?!).

 

[Frank Harvey]

Hi Legit

Can ask what ratio music/movies you'll be listening to?

We need to be a little careful here. with the brands you mention, and now talk of pre/powers, this is looking very likely you're going to exceed your budget ite easily.

I've found the Monitor Audio Platinums go best with the Arcam pre/power - have demonstrated this combination a few times (with PL100's all round and also with PL300's at the front) and musically it's a great sounding system. The PMC's work well with the Arcam too.

The KEF Reference also works extremely well with the Arcam (we've done many musical evenings with this combinatio), but also works very well with Denon (as KEF demonstrated at last years Bristol Hi-Fi Show). The KEF's are a little more forthcoming with detail than the Monitor Audio range, and provide more 'slam' with both music and movies. For me, a better all round system

ProAc is a contender, although I wouldn't say they're quite up there with the KEF's for movies. They're much more laid back, which is fine for music, but smoother sounding speakers make me want to turn them up more and more - it just never seems like they're playing loud enough! I've noticed this with a few brands.

One combination I would throw into the audition pot is the MK's. As far as movies are concerned, we feel nothing comes close. After all, the brand is used in movie mastering studios. Their level of detail, slam, and insight into what's going on is astonishing when compared directly with normal hi-fi speaker packages. We've done more AV dems than we care to remember, and the majority of people who try the MK's against hi-fi brands choose the MK's. It's what they're designed for. I have used mine for music in the past, and they work well. Some feel they need something better for music - in this case, a full set up will come out cheaper than the other brands mentioned, which if you feel you need more from them musically, means you'll have enough left to buy a pair of hi-fi speakers for music use.

These matched with a Yamaha DSPZ11 produces one of the best soundstages I've ever heard for movies, along with characteristics I don't hear in hi-fi speakers. Many of us use this combination here, even though we have access to most higher end speaker brand AV packages. The nearest I've heard to MK so far has been the KEF Reference.

As far as Bluray players go, take a look at the Denon BDP4010 and the Pioneer BDPLX91. These two are about as good as it gets.

As mentioned though, auditioning is the only way to go, you need to hear these for yourself.

 

[d4v3pum4]

FrankHarveyHiFi:
As far as Bluray players go, take a look at the Denon BDP4010 and the Pioneer BDPLX91. These two are about as good as it gets.

£1800 for a bluray player? That just screams "Cos I can" to me!

 

[Frank Harvey]

Not on a high quality projector

 

[Anonymous]

FrankHarveyHiFi:

Hi Legit

Can ask what ratio music/movies you'll be listening to?

We need to be a little careful here. with the brands you mention, and now talk of pre/powers, this is looking very likely you're going to exceed your budget ite easily.

I've found the Monitor Audio Platinums go best with the Arcam pre/power - have demonstrated this combination a few times (with PL100's all round and also with PL300's at the front) and musically it's a great sounding system. The PMC's work well with the Arcam too.

The KEF Reference also works extremely well with the Arcam (we've done many musical evenings with this combinatio), but also works very well with Denon (as KEF demonstrated at last years Bristol Hi-Fi Show). The KEF's are a little more forthcoming with detail than the Monitor Audio range, and provide more 'slam' with both music and movies. For me, a better all round system

ProAc is a contender, although I wouldn't say they're quite up there with the KEF's for movies. They're much more laid back, which is fine for music, but smoother sounding speakers make me want to turn them up more and more - it just never seems like they're playing loud enough! I've noticed this with a few brands.

One combination I would throw into the audition pot is the MK's. As far as movies are concerned, we feel nothing comes close. After all, the brand is used in movie mastering studios. Their level of detail, slam, and insight into what's going on is astonishing when compared directly with normal hi-fi speaker packages. We've done more AV dems than we care to remember, and the majority of people who try the MK's against hi-fi brands choose the MK's. It's what they're designed for. I have used mine for music in the past, and they work well. Some feel they need something better for music - in this case, a full set up will come out cheaper than the other brands mentioned, which if you feel you need more from them musically, means you'll have enough left to buy a pair of hi-fi speakers for music use.

These matched with a Yamaha DSPZ11 produces one of the best soundstages I've ever heard for movies, along with characteristics I don't hear in hi-fi speakers. Many of us use this combination here, even though we have access to most higher end speaker brand AV packages. The nearest I've heard to MK so far has been the KEF Reference.

As far as Bluray players go, take a look at the Denon BDP4010 and the Pioneer BDPLX91. These two are about as good as it gets.

As mentioned though, auditioning is the only way to go, you need to hear these for yourself.

dave,

thanks very much for the extensive insight into these other options

my ratio is 55% for music and 45% for movies

would you then say that the Z11 is a contender for the Av amps?

how would the platinums sound at the end of the Z11?

Is the Z11 good for music as it seems like a top notch amplifier for movies?

does the Z11 sound better on the Kefs over the Platinums?

Can we then say that the Arcam is superior over the Z11?

all inputs have been much appreciated.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Legit. I assume that it is a Multichannel system that you are after, not a Stereo setup ? I know members have given you suggestions for your L/R options, but have you thought about the centre and sides/rears ?

Your centre needs to be able to keep up with what's going on either side of it, otherwise you'll likely get an uneven front soundstage. Some peeps use identical speakers for their front 3 , though this isn't always feasible due to height restrictions and encroachment on the viewing image. You could always go down the phantom centre route, but I don't feel it cuts it personally.

You should deffo budget for at least one decent sub in the mix too.

Dave made a good call on the M&K's - but that'd ideally be for movies only. As would Genelec or Procella's.

I agree with Andy Kerr about the acoustic side of it, but seeing as it's a living room, it's quite difficult to achieve without it looking like a mastering room in a recording studio.

I know alot of us here will recommend products that we already own, inevitably due to a bit of bias. I'm the same, so I'll say keep the Kef Ref's at the top of the list for a brilliant compromise for both movies and music. You'll be nay disappointed !

 

[Deleted member 2457]

If I had that budget - hardly budget.

This is what i would do.

Pioneer sc-lx90

Pioneer bdp-lx91.

B&WFPM6 X 7.

B&W PV1 x 2,

TV/Screen not sure really.

I do like the look of the philips 52pfl9704 know.

That would be my perfect system.