Decision made; well, sort of...

[strapped for cash]

As discussed on another thread, I've been debating whether to upgrade my BDP or AVR (with a view to being fully 3D ready).

Without going into detail, I've decided to upgrade the AVR. Now it's a question of which one.

Fortunately that means I've no need to become further entangled in the Oppo 103 debate (though I'd still quite like one)!

The Yamaha RX-A810 is a very strong contender, though it's not as persuasive with stereo as I'd like.

I don't have a separate hi-fi system, so I'd really like my living room system to perform well with music as well as films. I appreciate that a dedicated stereo system will outperform an AVR, but it'd be a real bonus if my system did a decent job with music.

With a budget of £500 (with perhaps a little flexibility), what are the alternatives? I've read of a few glitches with Onkyo receivers this year, which has given me pause.

I'm running B&W series 3 front and centre speakers, with an Acoustic Energy Radiance sub.

Blu-rays and DVDs remain my priority. If the Yamaha turns out to be the best option I'll have to move pretty swiftly, as there's only one in stock at my local RS.

Thanks all.

 

[bigboss]

Check this:

http://www.creative-audio.co.uk/HD.php?_YAM_1010_&CAT=HCAMP&ID=4655

Yamahas are very good with music. I don't have a separate stereo amplifier, nor have I felt the need to have one.

 

[strapped for cash]

Check this:

http://www.creative-audio.co.uk/HD.php?_YAM_1010_&CAT=HCAMP&ID=4655

Yamahas are very good with music. I don't have a separate stereo amplifier, nor have I felt the need to have one.

Thanks BB. I spotted that deal, too, and I'm very tempted.

I can't audition the 1010, though, so I've no idea if it's worth the extra over the 810. Perhaps someone can advise here?

Extra functionality has no bearing on my decision. I simply want to stick a HDMI lead in the back, run a HDMI out to my TV, and get the best sound possible (with films and music) for my money.

I used to enjoy AV shopping. These days I find it stressful...

 

[GSB]

This avr was reccomended to me by David(hifix) on the basis that it would be excellent at driving my speakers.

I demo'd it against an aquivalant pioneer,and prefered the yamaha.

The sound from all sources is excellent,the front pressence(virtual) is great for tv viewing.I listen to 5.1 stereo for streamed flac recordings and its great,imho.

Hope this helps

 

[strapped for cash]

This avr was reccomended to me by David(hifix) on the basis that it would be excellent at driving my speakers.

I demo'd it against an aquivalant pioneer,and prefered the yamaha.

The sound from all sources is excellent,the front pressence(virtual) is great for tv viewing.I listen to 5.1 stereo for streamed flac recordings and its great,imho.

Hope this helps

Many thanks GSB.

Can you advise which AVR (the 810 or the 1010)?

If it's the 1010, I've just realised it wont fit in my AV cabinet. I'm glad I checked the dimensions and got the tape measure out before pulling the trigger.

It's a Blok cabinet. I'm very fond of it and wouldn't change it for anything. To be honest, finding a cabinet I'm happy with was the trickiest AV purchase I've made.

 

[GSB]

Mines the 1010,didn't realise they were different dimensions to be honest...but the 810 is still a good avr from reviews iv'e read,just not as powerfull.

One thing is that when i got it home(demo'd with the same speakers as i have at home) and played with the settings i improved the sound considerably.

There is a dedicated forum for the 810/1010/2010 on avforums if you fancy a look

 

[strapped for cash]

Thanks again.

As it turns out, I can just cram the 1010 in, if I raise one of the shelves in my cabinet. Otherwise, the internal door brackets make the space too narrow. The receiver would virtually touch both internal cabinet walls though, with about 10cm headroom.

Having said that, Creative Audio is out of stock, and the next best price I can find anywhere is £650. Not sure where all this leaves me. Perhaps back with the 810, as it would fit more comfortably in my cabinet and I'd be saving money.

The other option is an Onkyo 717 (£599 at Peter Tyson). As stated above, I've read of a few glitches with Onkyo receivers this year, so I'd be very grateful if owners could report on their experiences.

 

[GSB]

FWIW,iv'e found the 1010 to run cool,as opposed to hot

 

[strapped for cash]

Good to know. If I can find it in stock for $549 from a reputable retailer, I'll go for it.

 

[BenLaw]

http://www.audio-express.co.uk/hotdeal.php?&cat=HCAMP&HOTDEAL=YAM_1010&t=ga

Edit: that may be the same company.

 

[strapped for cash]

Cheers Ben.

Unfortunately it is the same company and the 1010's out of stock. I can leave my email address so I'm notified if/when stock is available but, as this is an outgoing model, I could be waiting some time...

Perhaps I shouldn't become distracted by possibilities and pounce on the 810 while I still can.

 

[BenLaw]

£590 at exceptional-av, otherwise it's looking tricky.

 

[bigboss]

Perhaps I shouldn't become distracted by possibilities and pounce on the 810 while I still can.

Agreed.

 

[BIGBERNARDBRESSLAW]

I'm seriously considering going the amp route now, rather than the twin hdmi BDP.

The 1010 must be quite a step up in quality over the 810, and as there is only £100 difference in price, surely it's the one to buy?

Then again, with my speaker set up, would the 810 be good enough, and would it also be a step up in quality over my 2400es?

 

[f1only]

There is one Yamaha RX-A1010 available here for £599 Clicky not new though.

 

[BIGBERNARDBRESSLAW]

There is one Yamaha RX-A1010 available here for £599 Clicky not new though.

There's a new one at Exceptional AV for £589 delivered, but I think Strapped is hoping to get it at £550 or less, me too (if I ever make a decision that is)

 

[f1only]

Good price

I'm ooming & ahhring with myself over a RX-A3010 at the moment.

I don't know if i am going to win the argument over waiting 9 months for the newer model to drop in price to something similar.. More tablets to take I suppose

It is difficult to justify the outlay unless it is going to be a significant improvement over my existing amp with the same speaker setup.

 

[BIGBERNARDBRESSLAW]

The 3010 at just over £900 is a fantastic price, and if I had both the money, and speakers to do it justice, I'd buy one today.

 

[f1only]

That is what worries me, my speakers would not do it justice.

 

[BIGBERNARDBRESSLAW]

That is what worries me, my speakers would not do it justice.

Possibly true, but you'd be getting a whole lot of amp for your money, and if it's pretty much future proofed, you won't need to look at replacing it any time soon.

Is the 2010 still available at bargain prices? If so, that could be the answer.

 

[Gerrardasnails]

To Bernard, I went from the Sony 3400es to the 3010 Yammy and the difference was huge!

 

[strapped for cash]

BBB, here's my thoughts...

I decided to go the AVR upgrade route because I couldn't find a problem with the Panasonic DMP-BDT120. I've given it a thorough test with a range of material. For an entry level BDP (free in both of our cases), it does an exemplary job. Discs are quick to load. DVD upscaling is genuinely excellent. It's reasonably quiet in operation. Once in my AV cabinet, I couldn't hear it all. (Well, it sounds a bit clunky during disc loading. During playback it's very quiet.)

With a view to being relatively future proof, it also seemed sensible to have a receiver that would pass through 3D and 4k.

On a performance per pound ratio, an AVR upgrade made the most sense in my situation, though contemplating this gave me a headache for a few days.

However, it's worth asking how happy you are with your current Sony receiver? If you're happy with the sound, then the BDP upgrade route will likely save you a bit of money.

 

[strapped for cash]

Incidentally, I bought the 810. Seemed too good a deal to pass up and it was the last one at my local RS. All arranged over the phone. Delivery on Tuesday, so I'll report back once it's all set up.

Now, I need to sell my old TV, AVR and BDP and decide whether a replacement GT50 is the way to go. I noticed DSE on the left of the screen last night (I had already seen it on the right). The buzzing hasn't improved, either. I think I'll get it replaced, but I'll wait a few more days as I've got too many things going on at the mo. Having already spoken to John Lewis, at least I know arranging a replacement is simply a matter of a phone call.

 

[BIGBERNARDBRESSLAW]

Gerrard and Strapped

Thanks for all the info. I think I've decided to go the new receiver route, though I still like my 2400, it's probably the right time to change it.

I've just received an email from Creative Audio letting me know that the 1010 is all gone and won't be coming back. BUT, they have offered me a 1020 for £699, or a 673 for £395. To be clear, the 1020 offer is not on their website, but was offered via email as I asked to be emailed when the 1010 was back in stock, so I guess they're offering to all who did this.

The 673 is no good to me, as it doesn't have a phono in, but the 1020 does, but it's still above what I would like to pay.

I was looking at the Denon AVR2311 on RS website, it's a fantastic price, but no phono again.

If anyone knows of a great receiver, futureproofed with 3D and 4K etc, and no more than £450, I'd hugely appreciate it.

 

[strapped for cash]

If anyone knows of a great receiver, futureproofed with 3D and 4K etc, and no more than £450, I'd hugely appreciate it.

Well, the 810 fits all of your criteria except the phono input. Is there an affordable phono preamplifier that would solve your problem here, thereby giving you a wider choice of AVR?