Apologies.... another newbie after some advice on a new separates system

[kevsta1970]

My first post here at the forums is unfortunately another similar story. The living room is being remodelled and have persuaded the better half to get a surround sound system installed.

I have a budget of approx £1000, speakers cannot be too intrusive and am looking for a receiver plus speaker package. The room is approx 7.5mx3.5m. I am not too worried about 3D and would be happy with a 5.1 system.

I have been looking at the deals to be had on the Onkyo 608, Denon 1911 and the Yamaha 667. So guess around £300 - £350 max on the amp. For the speakers I have been taken in by the Cambridge Audio Minx basically as I am able to purchase these in both black and white!!

The system will be used both both movies and music and am aware that the receivers do not cater well for this. I have been reading untold reviews and am still no nearer in making the final decision. I am aware it is all opinions and there is a need to demo but even the demo room will sound different to your room.

Grateful for advice. Am I way of the mark here??

 

[Andy Clough]

No need to apologise, and welcome to the Forums! You're right in that any AV receiver will be to some degree a compromise with music, but not necessarily a fatal one. Do you intend to use your system mainly for watching films or listening to music?

The receiver models you mention are all good ones, and you should be able to get a keen deal as their 2011 replacements appear. The CA Minx system is a solid four-star product, but you might also want to consider the Boston Acoustics SoundWare XS 5.1 package, which is suitably small and also available in black and white. They're diminutive in stature, but not in sound, and won our best sub-£500 style speaker package last year.

 

[sta99y]

Take a look at link

http://www.audiovisualonline.co.uk/dynamic/eshop_products.set/ref/3523/boston-acoustics-soundware-xs-5.1-speakers-and-onkyo-tx-sr508-av-receiver-bundle-with-free-cable-pack/display.html

It may help

 

[Paul.]

My friend just bought a Yamaha 667 and Mordaunt Short Alumni system from Richer Sounds. If you don't mind white, you can get the speaker set for £399, and it sounds great!

 

[kevsta1970]

Thanks you for your replies. I envisage the split between watching moving movies and listening to be pretty much 50-50. That said i do already have a Denon separates system.

What I would be interested to know is if i can use the zone 2 set up to power some outside speakers without using an additional amp? Also without a usb connection can I connect my iPod using the cable I currently use on the Denon hi fi set up.

The 509+Boston speaker deal looks impressive although I am not sure how much I would use the networking caspability. I am thinking of moving towards the 608 route with the Bostons although just realised I do have a turntable I could make use of

Any other pearls of wisdom?

 

[sta99y]

Thanks you for your replies. I envisage the split between watching moving movies and listening to be pretty much 50-50. That said i do already have a Denon separates system. What I would be interested to know is if i can use the zone 2 set up to power some outside speakers without using an additional amp? Also without a usb connection can I connect my iPod using the cable I currently use on the Denon hi fi set up. The 509+Boston speaker deal looks impressive although I am not sure how much I would use the networking caspability. I am thinking of moving towards the 608 route with the Bostons although just realised I do have a turntable I could make use of Any other pearls of wisdom?

Yes the 2nd zone will run additional spk elsewhere, iPod can use an RCA input if you use this type from headphone jack. Can't see why a turn table can't use RCA input also, although not sure on turn tables.

It's a good deal tho the link I sent as it comes with cables also. Good luck tho in your choice.

Darrell

 

[v1c]

I know you are looking for slightly smaller speakers but the EPOS AVS 5.1 here is to tempting to turn down you need to convince your other half. As for the Amp you could source a Pioneer VSX 2020 for £699 which is all bar a bluetooth adapter a VSX LX53 (What hifi Best receiver £1000-£1500, Awards 2010). For just £49 over your budget you would have a fantastic system.

I will reiterate i know you would prefer smaller speakers but the EPOS would be more than worth the compromise and they are not really that big in speaker terms it is just to good an offer to not consider.