This is my first post here and may appear to be a bit rambling but I would appreciate any thoughts and opinions.
After a good deal of research and lurking both here and at another site (am I allowed to mention them here?), I am about to return to the world of shiny AV toys although every bit of research just throws up more questions and options! Current set up is JVC 32" CRT with built in centre and detatchable 'sub' (I know, I know), Sky box and Panasonic DMR-EZ47 VHS/DVD Recorder.
Having just done out the living room, I took the opportunity to hide all the cables I might need so all I need is the kit! Plan is to put a Panny 37PX80 on chimney breast (no mantle so will be at good viewing height). I'd love a Full HD PZ80 but max viewing distance is 8ft so 37" is pushing it to the limit really.
Now onto the audio side of things - I have been without a decent system for years so anything is going to sound better than what I have had to put up with. Music is important to me so I have been hesitant about the Onkyo but then I'm inclined to think that the combination of the 606 and the cut price Quad L-ite (£499 for 5.1 package) would suit my needs for now. Trouble is, while there are plenty of places with a 606 to audition, I can't find anywhere locally with the Quads in stock. They're such a good deal on line and I've heard nothing but good things about them that I'm tempted to do the unthinkable and take a punt without trying them first.
Sales guy at Richer Sounds is suggesting I go down the route of a Cambridge Acoustics 540r and Mordaunt Short Avant 902i fronts, 905i Centre, 309i sub and Premiere 302 rears. I've yet to audition this set up
Another local showroom is suggesting the Onk 606 with B&W MT20 speakers. Also yet to hear this set up. Will try this week.
So I suppose I'm trying to work out whether the 606 will be 'musical' enough for me with the Quads (or anything else, for that matter) or whether I'm going to have to get a CA or Arcam unit. I'm willing to make allowances in sound at the moment for features and convenience but audio plays a big part in my life and I work in studios every day so I do consider myself to have a keen ear.
Or maybe I should dispense with the idea of cinema sound and just get a decent stereo amp with a decent pair of bookshelfers like the Mezzo 1 or B&W 685 (no room for floorstanders)!
Eventually I hope to have the following set up:
Panasonic 37PX80 / DMR-EZ47 / Sky HD or Freesat HD / PS3 (once the 80Gb version is out) / Squeezebox duet (to be fed lossless files by a WHS machine over wired LAN) / My old JVC CD player until I change it.
But before I get most of that I need to figure out the Receiver and Speakers question - your thoughts welcomed!
After a good deal of research and lurking both here and at another site (am I allowed to mention them here?), I am about to return to the world of shiny AV toys although every bit of research just throws up more questions and options! Current set up is JVC 32" CRT with built in centre and detatchable 'sub' (I know, I know), Sky box and Panasonic DMR-EZ47 VHS/DVD Recorder.
Having just done out the living room, I took the opportunity to hide all the cables I might need so all I need is the kit! Plan is to put a Panny 37PX80 on chimney breast (no mantle so will be at good viewing height). I'd love a Full HD PZ80 but max viewing distance is 8ft so 37" is pushing it to the limit really.
Now onto the audio side of things - I have been without a decent system for years so anything is going to sound better than what I have had to put up with. Music is important to me so I have been hesitant about the Onkyo but then I'm inclined to think that the combination of the 606 and the cut price Quad L-ite (£499 for 5.1 package) would suit my needs for now. Trouble is, while there are plenty of places with a 606 to audition, I can't find anywhere locally with the Quads in stock. They're such a good deal on line and I've heard nothing but good things about them that I'm tempted to do the unthinkable and take a punt without trying them first.
Sales guy at Richer Sounds is suggesting I go down the route of a Cambridge Acoustics 540r and Mordaunt Short Avant 902i fronts, 905i Centre, 309i sub and Premiere 302 rears. I've yet to audition this set up
Another local showroom is suggesting the Onk 606 with B&W MT20 speakers. Also yet to hear this set up. Will try this week.
So I suppose I'm trying to work out whether the 606 will be 'musical' enough for me with the Quads (or anything else, for that matter) or whether I'm going to have to get a CA or Arcam unit. I'm willing to make allowances in sound at the moment for features and convenience but audio plays a big part in my life and I work in studios every day so I do consider myself to have a keen ear.
Or maybe I should dispense with the idea of cinema sound and just get a decent stereo amp with a decent pair of bookshelfers like the Mezzo 1 or B&W 685 (no room for floorstanders)!
Eventually I hope to have the following set up:
Panasonic 37PX80 / DMR-EZ47 / Sky HD or Freesat HD / PS3 (once the 80Gb version is out) / Squeezebox duet (to be fed lossless files by a WHS machine over wired LAN) / My old JVC CD player until I change it.
But before I get most of that I need to figure out the Receiver and Speakers question - your thoughts welcomed!