Upgrade of Pioneer set

[admin_exported]

Hello specialists!

I really need some advice on upgrading my set!

At this moment I own the following set:

Pioneer VSX-AX5i
Pioneer DV-868 AVI (DVD-CD-SACD)
Phonar P200 (x2)
Phonar Virgo (x2)
Phonar Camparo 4 (Center)

Pioneer SX4280D

Panasonic BD30

Off course this doesn't allow me to listen to the real HD sound. So I was wondering what to do.

I was thinking of buying a new amp like the Pioneer LX81 or maybe the Yamaha Z7 / 3900.

I am a (classical) musician myself and listen to a lot of cd's and sacd's but I want to enjoy some mindblowing bluray experiences also!

I didn't set a budget yet but the cash for a Yamaha is no problem. But if there are more improvements to make I might wait and save some more....

I'm from Holland, so I'm sorry if my writing is not correct!!

If you need more information please let me know!

Thanks, Bart

 

[Anonymous]

Anyone?

 

[v1c]

I have pioneer ax5i + dv-757ai ÿ+ pioneer PDP 433HDE with a Miller + Kreisel K7 front k15 rear and KX10 sub. I am in the process of upgrading now myself. I have gone for the Pioneer SC-LX71 (over the LX81 only because i have a small house and THX select is for smaller rooms and the ax5i was THX select and has been a great amp) a Pioneer BDP-F51FD and Miller + Kreisel M7 front M4T rear and KX12 sub the screen would have been a new Kuro but now pioneer are not going to make them anymore (travisty IMO) i'm having to rethink and am going to check out the Phillips 21:9 when out in June. I so far have the 51 the M4T the KX12 replaced the i link with chord prodac digital cable. The 51 is running of component not HDMI and already the system has improved so im looking forward to getting the rest which has been purchased just a waiting stock delivery. Enough about me , your system bear in mind i am not an expert and don't listen to classical music and making the assumption you have been happy listening to movie and music with the ax5i as you don't list a cd player i would go SC-LX71 ÿan MK K5 or K7 Speaker package as they are dirt cheap at the moment if funds not an issue go for M7 or xenon or 750's thats sorts your movie magic out (MK are regarded as about as good as it gets for movies) lose the phonar centre and rears keep the phonar 200 and get a separate music amp and cd player or even better something like the naim uniti (Just over Z7 price). If you started with the amp and MK set that would keep you happy while you sort out what you want for your music when you have the music sorted replace the ÿ868 and BD30 with something form pioneer as will match the amp. That would be my thought process to start with what i would end up may be another story. Any way all the best with whatever you decide.ÿ

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your info!

I will be testing some stuff this week. Probably Yamaha Z7 and Pioneer 71 or 81.

Is it better to have 2 systems? Or is it better to invest the money into a better surround amp?

 

[v1c]

It is better to have 2 systems however it is convenient to have 1 that does the both but what i have found out when it comes to choosing speakers is you have to choose which way to go with either music or movies most people want both. The reality is that you have to decide which is the dominant factor do you listen to more music or do you watch more movies. If you go with music then movie is compromised if you go with movie then music is compromised. There are perfectly acceptable systems/packages that do both but it is a compromise on either movie or music with separate systems you won't have to compromise. I'm quite sure that if for example you got something like the susano LX 90 it would be great with movie and music but you still have to choose speakers which ÿones ? the ones that are good with music or the ones that are good with movies. That is the dilemma you face. Look at what hifi the speakers they recommend for movie systems are not the same as the ones they recommend for hifi systems this is essentially why 2 systems are better. The amps you have short listed will be great only your ears will tell you which on you prefer once again preference. Happy decision making Bart.

 

[Anonymous]

Here in Holland the Pioneer and the Yamaha Z-7 Are about the same price.

What is the best choice? I will be listening to them next week. Can't wait