Best for music & Movies? - an Arcam Movie Solo or A Marantz DV7001 + Onkyo Receiver

[admin_exported]

It's bonus time in January & I'm looking to change my current system (TEAC Ref 500 + TEAC DV500 + 500 multi channel amp, Mission FS2AV 5.1 speakers) I'm looking to go to a one (or 2) box system but need to keep the speakers discreet. I've auditioned the Denon S302 - didn't like the sound with CD's, The BOSE 321 system - sounded great but no HDMI, I've tried to get a listen to the Sony DAV-IS10 but can't find a dealer that's got it available to listen to. I loved the Arcam Movie Solo, but am wondering if the Marantz / Onkyo combination would sound good with my Mission package? or should I splash on a newer speaker package? Alternatively should I sacrifice 5.1 & go for the Solo Movie 2.1 & by a better pair of stereo speakers? ---My head hurts...

 

[Clare Newsome]

Lucky you on the bonus front.

If you've got that money to play with and don't mind two-boxes plus speaker packages, you'll get a far better performance from your budget with separates.

Yes, the Arcam Movie Solo is fantastic (which is why we gave it an Award), but for £2000 you could buy the Marantz DV7001 DVD player, Onkyo '605 receiver and KEF KHT3005SE speaker package - and what a stunning home cinema package that would be....

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Claire, I'll get along to a dealer & have a listen in January.
Have a very Merry Christmas & a splendidly high fidelity New Year.

G

 

[ROB2009]

I currently own a Denon S301 which is fine for movies, but doesn't really perform with music, hence I am in a similar situation considering the Arcam Solo Movie 2.1 as I onlyhave a small listening room and don't want the additional speakers. I do however, understand that £ for £, a 2 box set up will generally give better performance that a 1 box solution.

If I went for say the Onkyo / Marantz set up, but wanted to stay with a only a 2.1 set up, can the 5.1 Onkyo process movies in 2.1? and would it be as good with music in stereo as the Arcam??

Any advice greatly appreciated!