Keep or not to keep Denon AVC-A1SE as amplifier for stereo

[GK]

Hi there,

Currently I have a Denon AVC-A1SE amplifier which I using only for stereo. No big complaints about sound, maybe just sometimes that S sound is more then it should be. As I using it only for stereo, I wonder if is there anything in used market for 300-400 pounds which is better than Denon, it could be an integrated amplifier or just power amplifier. I do not think that there is something new for that money, but maybe there is?

 

[the record spot]

I'd imagine for that money, you'd be looking at finding one of the 1970s super-amps. I doubt there's anything on the market going new that's going to be better than the Denon. It was, from memory, £1000+ back in the early 2000s. It's not going to be crap overnight. Does yours have the Denon upgrade (which I think added additional connectivity and a hardware upgrade a few years ago)?

 

[GK]

No, it is standard A1SE. Upgrade was only for DAC board and video part, amplifiers was not affected, I think.

Yes, it was expensive at launch, I got my from ebay a few months ago. Not in rush to replace and not looking for a step aside, but if there is something even more better, I would keep an eye on ebay for it. Speakers are Castle Conway 3, if that matter. Music style could be quite wide, maybe most important thing is singers voice.

 

[eggontoast]

I used to have a AVC-A10SE which was one model down from your one, I think it cost me £1350 in 2001. If I remember correctly the AVC-A1SE was over £2000.

I used to thoroughly enjoy listening to stereo music on it through the Kef floor standers which I had then, Q75.2's I think they were. IMO there isn't much in the £300 - 400 bracket which is going to better what you currently have, not unless you go second hand as someone has previously mentioned.

 

[GK]

Yes, of course, I meant something from second hand.

At launch AVC-A1SE was around 2000, but we need to keep in mind that it was A/V amplifier. As a flagship product there was top DAC section, latest surround audio decoders, video switching, multi zone, etc. So, there was a premium price for everything, not just amplifier.

Just bought a used Denon DCD-1500AE cd player. Interesting, how would Denon PMA-1500AE or PMA-1510AE perform in comparision to AVC-A1SE?