Advice on purchase of Home Cinema Speaker System & AV Amp

[admin_exported]

Hi,

I currently have a Sony HD TV (Bravia KDL-46W2000), a Sony Blu Ray Player (BDP-S350), an old Yamaha AV Amp (DSP-AX630SE) and an old style speaker system (Mission FS1). I want to keep the TV and the Blu Ray player and would like to replace the speaker system and the amp. The other sources I want to feed into the system are a Virgin Media V+ HD box and iPOD for music. I also want to use the speaker system for music and therefore its got to be able to deliver exceptional movie and music sound. I am a sound quality freak, so the quality is just got to be fantastic.

My budget is upto £5k. My lounge size is 3.6m x 7.7m (approx 28 sq m). My wife does not want the lounge to be taken over by large speakers and therefore wants me to buy a stylesh speaker package with small speakers. I'm not convinced that small speakers can deliver the quality I want. This was proven by the Mission speaker I currently have. Perhaps a compromise between the two may be the way to go.

I went to a demo of a Bang & Olufsen speaker system and although this sounded fantastic, it is out of my price range. I have also had a demo of a Bose system and was not very impressed with the sound quality. I've been looking at the Teufel System 8 THX Ultra 2 speakers and the Onkyo TX-NR5007 AV Amp as both have a 5* rating. However, I think the speaker system is way to big for my room. I would really appreciate people's advice as to what to go for.

 

[Sorreltiger]

I agree with you entirely about speakers - a 'style' speaker package will never deliver quite the same quality as more conventional boxes at the same price point. You obviously need speakers you will be happy with (especially for music, where strengths and weaknesses will really be apparent) and 'sell' to your other half from a visual point of view.

My own personal recommendation is that you look at the Quad range - the Quad L-ites if you want to go small(ish) - which are beautifully made with a piano lacquer finish. There are various wood shades or silver and piano black. You can also upgrade this package by swapping the fronts for something more substantial in the Quad range - 21L2 floorstanders, for example.

 

[lobby]

Well if i was looking at a new setup. it would be the MA silver RX6 speakers and Yamaha Z7 amp for around £3500, cracking system just add a stero add for music and you will love it.The speakers are rather large so for films the MK's are fantastic, not heard them playing music, but i also love these.I have the Quad-lites and their small and compact traditional speakers great for movies and not bad for music, but an upgrade to the larger range would help.As for music a dedicated hc package will not be your best bet, i would look at some standmounted speakers designed primarily for music, and a company that have added a centre and sub to form a decent movie package.Im sure someone from specalist retailers will help you out.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your advice. I'll look at the Quad range and to keep her indoors happy the L-ites.

 

[Anonymous]

Wow, the MA Silver RX6 look fantastic. I can only try and imagine what they must sound like. I'll look at the Yamaha Z7 amp also. Thanks for your advice.

 

[v1c]

My first set of speakers were mission 752's. I then went for Miller Kreisel K7 system , they were a big step up. I now have the MK M7 system i would recommend you at least put them on your audition list. There is also the smaller MK Xenon (not as quite as good with music as the M7's from what i have been informed) or the larger (still compact) MK 750 THX system. These are all in your budget. I know there is a bit of a myth around MK's not being as good with music but from my experience i don't agree , i listen to music alot via Arcam r dock and i pod. I have a fatman itube Mezzo 2 combination which i love the sound of but the M7 system is a better listen.