Kit List:
Arcam Alpha 9 Integrated Amp
Yamaha DSP-E492 Surround Processor (Monster Silver interconnect to Arcam amp)
Arcam Alpha 7 CD Player (Ixos 104 interconnect to Arcam amp))
Toshiba SD420 DVD Player (QED Qinex Interconnect x3 in 6-channel config)
XBox 360 (Std Scart)
B&W DM602 Front Speakers (QED Qudos)
B&W CC6 S2 Centre Speaker (Cable unknown)
Tannoy 603 Rear Speakers (Gale XL189)
Toshiba 32ZD26 32" CRT (PureAV Component Vid to DVD)
Setup notes:
Alpha 9 connected to B&W 602's for sterio and E492 for surround.
E492 connected to SD420 in 6-channel mode with SD420 processing digital surround for DVD's.
Like many my first proper paycheck went on some decent hi-fi. Since then I've expanded my setup to encompass home cinema though tight budgets have meant this has been almost entirely second-hand kit.
Time has moved on and my first purchases are now teenagers and my listening habits significantly altered. I am no longer satisfied with my setup and I'd love to do something about it!
The sterio performance of my system (once the primary listening mode) still makes me smile. The sound is a little warm but the mid-range is fabulous and it has plenty of drive. Bass is a little slow but that's down to the combination of components.
Even so Host's Planets Suite sound great while most of my preferred metal albums are similarily enjoyable.
These days I spend many more hours watching films than listening to an album or two. It's here I have the main issues.
Surround steering is a little clumsy even if the front three speakers integrate well. There also seems to be a void in the middle of the room where the rears seem to struggle to match the output of the fronts.
Also despite the B&W's drive in sterio they lack the low-down oomph an action flick really needs to give it that extra dimension.
In the past I've looked to replace both my sterio and surround amps with one unit but my determination not to loose the musicality of the Arcam put any worthy amp beyond financial reach. Also recently my CD player has been overcome with an illness which I won't fix if a suitable DVD player can be found to replace it. At present the Toshiba DVD player is the musical source and that certainly isn't its forte.
I want to know what a budget of £1000 can do the make my movie experience shine without undermining those moments of sterio clarity. Can either of Yamaha's most recent AV amps (763/863SE) match my current Arcam in sterio? Is an end-of-line AVR350 worth considering at £600? Should I hunt down s/hand DM601S2's for my rear channels or should replace all my speakers with a new package?
As always any and all advise is appreciated!
Arcam Alpha 9 Integrated Amp
Yamaha DSP-E492 Surround Processor (Monster Silver interconnect to Arcam amp)
Arcam Alpha 7 CD Player (Ixos 104 interconnect to Arcam amp))
Toshiba SD420 DVD Player (QED Qinex Interconnect x3 in 6-channel config)
XBox 360 (Std Scart)
B&W DM602 Front Speakers (QED Qudos)
B&W CC6 S2 Centre Speaker (Cable unknown)
Tannoy 603 Rear Speakers (Gale XL189)
Toshiba 32ZD26 32" CRT (PureAV Component Vid to DVD)
Setup notes:
Alpha 9 connected to B&W 602's for sterio and E492 for surround.
E492 connected to SD420 in 6-channel mode with SD420 processing digital surround for DVD's.
Like many my first proper paycheck went on some decent hi-fi. Since then I've expanded my setup to encompass home cinema though tight budgets have meant this has been almost entirely second-hand kit.
Time has moved on and my first purchases are now teenagers and my listening habits significantly altered. I am no longer satisfied with my setup and I'd love to do something about it!
The sterio performance of my system (once the primary listening mode) still makes me smile. The sound is a little warm but the mid-range is fabulous and it has plenty of drive. Bass is a little slow but that's down to the combination of components.
Even so Host's Planets Suite sound great while most of my preferred metal albums are similarily enjoyable.
These days I spend many more hours watching films than listening to an album or two. It's here I have the main issues.
Surround steering is a little clumsy even if the front three speakers integrate well. There also seems to be a void in the middle of the room where the rears seem to struggle to match the output of the fronts.
Also despite the B&W's drive in sterio they lack the low-down oomph an action flick really needs to give it that extra dimension.
In the past I've looked to replace both my sterio and surround amps with one unit but my determination not to loose the musicality of the Arcam put any worthy amp beyond financial reach. Also recently my CD player has been overcome with an illness which I won't fix if a suitable DVD player can be found to replace it. At present the Toshiba DVD player is the musical source and that certainly isn't its forte.
I want to know what a budget of £1000 can do the make my movie experience shine without undermining those moments of sterio clarity. Can either of Yamaha's most recent AV amps (763/863SE) match my current Arcam in sterio? Is an end-of-line AVR350 worth considering at £600? Should I hunt down s/hand DM601S2's for my rear channels or should replace all my speakers with a new package?
As always any and all advise is appreciated!