Completely new set up... Options.

[hopper1]

I did pick up on that and yes, the RS manager did mention it too, in our discussion.

The Sonos surround sound would be a good option, but I think the ideal set up, is to hardware a system in, if at all possible.

 

[Leeps]

The Yammy RX-A830 is the successor to the receiver I looked at when I purchased the Pioneer, and I'm sure is an excellent bit of kit. I think the Pioneer and the Yamaha are closely matched, both being reasonably reliable from what I read on the forums. it's just down to personal preference and what speakers you decide to go for.

Personally I think that price point hits a bit of a sweet spot in model line ups, with decent sound quality for a reasonable price. If you're not so worried about the very latest model though, I think you'd find some RX-A810's and RX-A820's available, from Richers (& Sevenoaks etc) for significantly less money. Just make sure first that there aren't any features missing on the previous models that you would need.

Also, just make sure that the intended cabinet you have in mind to house the receiver is deep enough. Crazily, many so-called specialist AV cabinets (from the likes of Alphason, BDI etc) are not deep enough for most AV receivers. There's a significant gap in the market there for a manufacturer who's prepared to get their tape measure out BEFORE putting a useless product on the market. Having said that, the Yammy's around 370mm deep, so is one of the shallowest (my Pioneer's about 440mm deep). Just allow enough for the mass of cables & inputs too! I can recommend the Pansonic bluray player. I've had good service from it and it has a top-notch sound quality for the price. You may find that the Sony equivalent has more 'smart features' though if you're into that.

Beyond that, you have to trust your own eyes & ears. Take some well-known blurays & Cd's (or iPod or memory stick etc etc) and see what you do & don't like. If it's not right, walk away. You'll have plenty of time to second guess yourself!

 

[hopper1]

Thanks for that info.

not even started to look for a cabinet yet, but its a very good point, re the dimensions. I'll be looking for something a little 60's ish...

I'll look at previous models, to compare like for like...

Anyone know of any good conduit?...

 

[bigboss]

Sorry if I have misunderstood your last post, but you do realise you can have full surround with Sonos ?

Yes, but hugely expensive for the quality on offer.

 

[hopper1]

Just ran some 38mm plastic waste pipe down both sides of extension, before the floor is concreted...
can now use cables

 

[BenLaw]

Sorry if I have misunderstood your last post, but you do realise you can have full surround with Sonos ?

Yes, but hugely expensive for the quality on offer.

Do you say that because of using a soundbar to replicate a front three or do you not rate the play:3s in their price bracket?

Take into account that the cost of a receiver would be saved.

 

[bigboss]

A Sonos 5.1 bundle costs £1700 & is short on AV features. The Playbar is good but cannot compete with dedicated fronts & centre for audio separation. £1700 can buy you a very decent 5.1 system like MA Mass with AV receiver & still have spare change for a blu ray player.

 

[richardw42]

Definitely not cheap. It's a lifestyle choice which may have fitted the original post.

Now cables are back in, the options are countless. The R90HD set with stands is such a bargain. I keep having to remnd myself I don't need it

BB. Have you demoed the full Sonos set up. It certainly would be interesting to hear it.

 

[Leeps]

Definitely not cheap. It's a lifestyle choice which may have fitted the original post.

Now cables are back in, the options are countless. The R90HD set with stands is such a bargain. I keep having to remnd myself I don't need it

BB. Have you demoed the full Sonos set up. It certainly would be interesting to hear it.

I know what you mean about the Radius R90HD bargain - and I already have a Radius set-up!!

I know the new models will be in the shops shortly, but for anyone looking at a good quality new system, this is fantastic value.

 

[hopper1]

Where are you seeing these Radius R90 deals?...

 

[Leeps]

The Radius R90HD set-up is £699 at the mo through Sevenoaks Hifi and includes two sets of stands. Sevenoaks are liberally spread across the country, so there ought to be a store not too far away from you.

I ought to say though that although I love them to bits, Radius speakers (especially the R90HD's) are really fast, attacking and detailed speakers, so partner them with care and make sure the sound is right for your ears before you part with the cash.

The sub, particularly the R370HD is lush and weighty.

 

[hopper1]

There's a Sevenoaks almost next door to my local Richer Sounds, will wander down there at the weekend

 

[richardw42]

http://www.sevenoakssoundandvision.co.uk/p/monitor-audio-radius-r90-hd10av-speaker-package

 

[bigboss]

Definitely not cheap. It's a lifestyle choice which may have fitted the original post.

Now cables are back in, the options are countless. The R90HD set with stands is such a bargain. I keep having to remnd myself I don't need it

BB. Have you demoed the full Sonos set up. It certainly would be interesting to hear it.

I've demoed the Playbar with sub but not with the Play:3s for surround. It's very good, but there's little audio separation. A proper 3.1 system outperforms the Playbar with sub. Of course, the big advantage is Sonos, but as an AV system, a separates system will still be better.

Monitor Audio R90HD set is a brilliant option. Keenly priced too!

 

[hopper1]

Glitch in my plan today!...

Left 38mm plastic pipe and bends for builders to fit, with underfloor heating, prior to concreting floor.

Came back to find 'overflow' piping had been used, as there was insufficient to bury the 38mm!

Smaller ID, but still able to run cables now

 

[Leeps]

Talking of cabling...

if your demo tells your ears that the sound is a little too bright or hard-edged (which could be exacerbated by the room dynamics as per previous posts), you might want to look at warming it up slightly with copper cabling (as opposed to silver). It won't make a wrong system right, but if the balance is almost there and needs a slight adjustment, then it might help (and it's cheaper too!)

Having said that I use silver cabling on my Pioneer / Radius system and it's lovely, but copper did help my last stereo system.

 

[hopper1]

Popped in to my local Sevenoaks, today...

Long time since I encountered such a tw*t for a sales man!
I'll be getting my stuff from Richer Sounds

 

[Leeps]

Fair enough. If they can't be helpful BEFORE they take your money then they certainly won't be afterwards. I've bought quite a few boxes from Sevenoaks & Richers over the years and have been fortunate enough to receive good service from both. Sad when someone lets the side down.

 

[Leeps]

I'm glad you let your ears decide and have come up with something that's right for you. Looks a solid & capable choice you've put together. I hope you get plenty of fun out of it.

 

[hopper1]

Well, a little bit further down the road than planned, but I finally got my new system installed.

After listening to a few different set ups, I opted for the following.Panasonic TXL55WT65B 55"

Yamaha RX A830 Receiver.

Dali Zensor 7 - fronts (floorstanders).

Dali Zensor 1 - rears (stand mounted).

Dali Zensor Vokal - centre.

Dali E12F - sub.

Panasonic DMPBDT500 Blu Ray.

Cambridge Audi & Audioquest cables.

Also changed from SKY+HD to Virgin TivoHD.

4 way IR repeater, so I can use it all without opening cabinet doors.

Just Racks TV cabinet (with wooden bloody doors!).

Still getting used to it all, but seems to work well in the room, so far.

To be honest, my hearing isn't what it used to be (loud working environment), so I doubt I'd notice any mild imperfection in the sound set up.

The TV has been bloody impressive, so far, but again, I'll have to get quite a few films under my belt, to really sus the colours and blacks.

I like the Airplay from my iPhone, iPad, etc, and the Smart TV is really something else, making the whole package so flexible.

Can't wait until it's all run in, and I can ramp up the noise!!!

 

[hopper1]

Forgot about the 4 way IR repeater. Didn't note that the cabinet doors were solid wood, when I ordered :wall:

Also equipped the 'games snug' with:

Panasonic TLX42ET61 42".

XBOX 360 500GB.

PS3 Slim.

Wii (black).

Debating whether or not to add a sound bar to that set up...