BJB:
Hi Hems,
I am in a similar position in that I have decided on either the KEF 3005SE or MA HD90 style speakers. I was considering matching 1 of the 2 to a SONY STRDA5400ES, but I was advised in 1 post that the 5400 (1500 pounds) would be underutilised with those speaker packages. I was therefore advised to go for an AV amplifier in the 500 pound range (SONY STRDA2400ES). In another post, I was advised that the speaker packages would benefit from a 1500 pound amp. I can't audition both amps with the speaker packages as I have to buy the amp and blue ray before the speaker packages (complicated story). What are your thoughts?
Kind regards,
Brandon
Hi Brandon, it's me again.
I'm not sure I made myself clear in our earlier 'chat'. The KEFs & M.As you mentioned PROBABLY WILL sound better with the 5400ES than the 2400ES, but as you've mentioned above, you'll be under-using the 5400s abilities. You may find that the difference in ability THROUGH YOUR CHOSEN SPEAKERS is not worth the extra money.
You've got to ask yourself if you're a 'buy the best you can afford' kind of guy. Then buy the 5400 and have no regrets. If you're after performance & value, you owe it to yourself to listen to the 2400 alongside the 5400, after all, £1000 is a lot of money, and if you don't perceive much difference, pocket it and splurge on your Blu-Ray collection.
Whichever way you go, you're doing the right thing by actually going and listening to stuff, rather than just ordering, paying and living with yout choice.
Happy listening!