Pointers for a new amp

[admin_exported]

Hi all,

I've been running a Pioneer VSX-104 amp for a few years now, and want to upgrade. This time around, I'm seeking a much more musical amp, at a price no more than £450. For my SACD collection, the Pioneer is simply awful at coherency with high volume, and I've decided now to take the plunge. Other requirements: a inimum of 4 HDMI sockets, offering full 1.3a compatibility, power isn't an issue - I can't run my Pioneer at anything like it's best volume - normally I'm at around -25db, so that part's ok. I could use 3 or 4 optical inputs if I can get them too - ideally 4, since it seems hardly anything comes with coax anymore. A tuner isn't important, as that's catered for elsewhere in my system, but I would like to be able to fully re-name the inputs on the amp. Any good guidance? Musical interests are Pink Floyd, Mike Oldfield, Jean Michel Jarre, Muse, Radiohead and similar.

Additionally, I'm looking for a good quality multi-channel SACD player toupgrade to, that ideally outputs the audio via HDMI rather than analogue, but can't seem to find anything other than a DVD player with supplemental support for SACD.

All thoughts received with interest.

 

[Anonymous]

Anyone? I know there's the Onkyo 606, but do I have choices?

 

[lobby]

Ok i can think of 3 amps Denon1909 at £450, which is currently a favourite as it took the top award away from the Onkyo 606. Other 2 choices would be the Denon 2808 at £400 down fron £900, but only 2 hdmi inputs, and the Yamaha AX863se for £495 5 star award tested at £800.