Upgrading from Stereo to Surround Sound

[admin_exported]

I currently own a denon DM37 with monitor audio BR1 speakers and a wharfedale sw150. Which sound excellent. However i want to get a surroud system so i am going to use the BR1's as rear speakers and buy a set of BR5's (floor standers) for the front speakers and the BRLCR for the centre, and continue using the sub as it easily outclasses the monito audio sub.

I want to spend no more the £600 on a surround amp and im not sure what to go for. The best one to get seems to be the yamaha DSP-AX863, but i want to know would the stereo sound quality of this with the BR5's be better than the DM37 with the BR1's as i dont want to uprgade and find out the sound quality is worse! This is crucial as i listen to music and have it playing in the background and only watch films a couple of times a week.

Anothe query i have is the main source will be a HTPC (and a bluray for films, yet to decide which model though) and this currently outputs directly to my TV via HDMI then i take the ouputs from that into the denon. When i get the surround amp i will obviously plug the HTPC into the amp and then into the TV. But would it improve the sound quality by using a Berecsford DAC from the laptop then into the AMP via Stereo, and passing the video directly to the TV via HDMI seperately. As i will only be listening to music (Aiff format) and watching TV there is no need for surround sound.

So which amp, and would a DAC help.

Thanks in advance

 

[Anonymous]

Frankly a 600 pound AV amp is the equivalent of a 150-200 pound stereo amp. If you listen mostly to music, then you'd be better off buying a better stereo amp and putting your player through that.

Can't comment about the Denon since I've not heard that particular model.ÿ

 

[d4v3pum4]

When you buy the BR5's why don't you audition some AV receivers with them and the centre and take some of your favourite CD's along to ensure you're happy with the musical performance. I'm sure a £600 will be more than a match for the Denon, as good as it is.

 

[Anonymous]

The denon dm37 is an all in one system like CD DAB and stuff and it only retails for £250 and im sure most of the money goes into the other features rather than the amp so its probably only as good as a £150 standalone stereo amp.

Also i would it be better to use a set of monitor audio RS1's instead of BR5's