Upgrade for amp... help!

[admin_exported]

I'm looking to upgrade my old Denon 1906 amp to a newer one with HDMI1.3. The new amp must be versatile as I will be watching blue ray movies and listening to music with it (mostly classical and jazz).

My current setup includes: Denon 1906 amp, Denon 1720 DVD player, Sony BDP s360 Blue ray, Kef speakers (IQ7 front, IQ6C centre, IQ3 surrounds/back).

My budget is around £1500. Is it worth just upgrading to the new 2310? Or is there another amp that might pair better with my Kef's?

Thanks!

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Kiba:

I'm looking to upgrade my old Denon 1906 amp to a newer one with HDMI1.3. The new amp must be versatile as I will be watching blue ray movies and listening to music with it (mostly classical and jazz).

My current setup includes: Denon 1906 amp, Denon 1720 DVD player, Sony BDP s360 Blue ray, Kef speakers (IQ7 front, IQ6C centre, IQ3 surrounds/back).

My budget is around £1500. Is it worth just upgrading to the new 2310? Or is there another amp that might pair better with my Kef's?

Thanks!

Hi Kiba

The AVR2310 will be quite an upgrade over the AVR1906. Other amps to consider up are Yamaha's RX-V1065 and RXV-2065. KEF's UniQ drive unit technology and Yamaha's Cinema DSP (Digital Soundfield Processing) work well together.

Thanks

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Rick!

I have been told that the Denon is way too bright to pair with Kef speakers, but have also read some of the other posts that both the Yamaha's and Denons are "warm" amps.

The ssame person who said that Denons are too bright, then suggested that I try a Harmon-Kardon instead, but the only one that's in my price range only got 3 stars. Is there any other amps that I should be auditioning? Something that might go better with my current setup? I must mention here that I dont have any proper cables for my system, would the "brightness" and the "lack of bass" (as the guy put it) not be improved with proper cabling and what would you suggest?

 

[Anonymous]

Kiba,i had a demo of the yam 2065 a few weeks ago it sounded realy good until i listened to the denon 2010 it was much clearer sound than the yam 2065.so i bought the denon.
I have the kef 3005se speakers and it is a great match i am well happy,it makes movies come alive.

 

[The Lawnmower Man]

I think Yamaha would be a safe pairing with the Kefs.

The 1065 is very similar to the 2310 and a fair bit cheaper too. It can be got for £450 at the moment, compared to atleast £600 for the Denon.

 

[ear]

the denon will always sound smoother and less rough than the yamaha(yamaha sounds a bit reedy for me)

 

[fayeanddavid]

Yamaha and KEFs work well, see signature, I have bi amped the fronts off of the amp also

Excellent sound, detailed, plenty of attack, not bright but with sufficient top end to sparkle.

Have a dem if you can, or try at home, you won't be disappointed I'm sure

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Kiba:

Thanks Rick!

I have been told that the Denon is way too bright to pair with Kef speakers, but have also read some of the other posts that both the Yamaha's and Denons are "warm" amps.

The ssame person who said that Denons are too bright, then suggested that I try a Harmon-Kardon instead, but the only one that's in my price range only got 3 stars. Is there any other amps that I should be auditioning? Something that might go better with my current setup? I must mention here that I dont have any proper cables for my system, would the "brightness" and the "lack of bass" (as the guy put it) not be improved with proper cabling and what would you suggest?

Hi Kiba

I don't know about Harman Kardon with KEF speakers as i have never heard these two makes together. The AVR2310 will be fine however IME Yamaha AV amps perform even better with KEF speakers (i have sold many Yamaha AV amps to be used with KEF speakers in fourteen years). As i previously mentioned KEF's UniQ technology and Yamaha's Cinema DSP work well together. Besides which i find both the RX-V1065 and RX-V2065 better with music and movies.

The one thing that i have learnt over the years (i don't say this likely) is when it comes to AV amps in particular for me Yamaha inspires confidence.

Btw, i would not concern yourself too much about cabling at the moment. You may be interested to know that for years and at the moment much of the cabling that i use in my shop to connect equipment (from budget to high end) is very modestly priced and in some cases i also the free cables which comes supplied with equipment. Sounds Superb. Job done.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft