B&W MT30

[admin_exported]

Hi everyone, apologies if this has been asked time and time again, but what amplifier would be most suited to the B&W MT30 package? I orginally thought that Yamaha 863SE was at the top of my list but sevenoaks have told me that they're out of stock until about March and that they'll be going up in price.

Budget is around £600 ideally.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[Andrew Everard]

Sony STR-DA2400ES would be a good alternative.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Andrew, thanks for the quick reply. I did actually suggest this amp to the guy at sevenoaks and his reply was..

"Having worked for Sony for a number of years I cannot be that enthusiastic about the Sony AV models.They "Tick" the boxes for consumerism, so they will often do what other manufacturers can, but they tend not to get great reviews for sound quality. .and if you get to listen to one they tend to be a bit thin sounding.especially with music. It's un fair to criticize it without being able to demonstrate it.so try and hear one before totally dismissing it"...

This goes against the findings of the whathifi team...

 

[Clare Newsome]

That'll be Sevenoaks who don't sell Sony AV amps, then. Sigh....

 

[Andrew Everard]

hughesyboy:This goes against the findings of the whathifi team...

And mine, having recently tested it for Gramophone.

 

[Anonymous]

True, I doubt it was in his interest to say that the sony would be a good alternative

 

[Andrew Everard]

"You may say that - I couldn't possibly comment..."

 

[Gerrardasnails]

hughesyboy:Hi Andrew, thanks for the quick reply. I did actually suggest this amp to the guy at sevenoaks and his reply was..

"Having worked for Sony for a number of years I cannot be that enthusiastic about the Sony AV models.They "Tick" the boxes for consumerism, so they will often do what other manufacturers can, but they tend not to get great reviews for sound quality. .and if you get to listen to one they tend to be a bit thin sounding.especially with music. It's un fair to criticize it without being able to demonstrate it.so try and hear one before totally dismissing it"...

This goes against the findings of the whathifi team...

That is quite funny. "Thin sounding"! Seriously, I have not listened to the 863 but they are supposed to be brilliant. However, the ES range from Sony is top drawer for the money. I have the 3400es and it's excellent. Very powerful sound with movies and although I have a stereo amp, I have listened to music on tv with the receiver in 2 channel mode, and I was surprised how good it was. Sevenoaks would say that the new Denon range is the one to go for but I disagree as my receiver was all round better than the Denon 2809 when I checked it out.

 

[Anonymous]

You're right, they did actually push me in the direction of the Denon 2309....

 

[Andrew Everard]

...which of course they have in stock and you can buy now!

 

[Big Aura]

and my Denon dealer chap said that Sevenoaks were best avoided, and the WHF team are in Sony's pockets (maybe because he wanted me to buy a Pioneer screen from him rather than a Sony one elsewhere). Conspiracy theory, anyone??!

 

[Andrew Everard]

Nah: as in just about every sector of retailing at the moment, simply desperation to shift some stock...