which av receiver with music also in mind

[admin_exported]

I’m a real newbie and looking for some input / help I’m seeking advice on what AV receiver to go for with an intended purchase of a Cambridge Audio DVD 99 in order initially to listen in 2:1 to “Rolling Stones” SA CD’s & Advanced Resolution stereo mixes of “The Doors” eventually moving to 5:1 movies / DVDAs as I upgrade and add extra speakers.

My question is in people’s opinion which AV Receiver will be suited to my needs in terms of playing music and future proofing for 5:1 movies and on the HDMI front when I get an HD TV / Blueray once my old Philips Matchline goes the way of the dodo.

The budget on the receiver is two levels depending on what I can convince the wife on the options are:

Either:

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO AZUR 540R V3
SONY STRDH800
DENON AVR1610

Or

YAMAHA RXV765
SONY STRDA2400ES
DENON AVR1910

If anyone can see a better option then either of the above, or could just give me any advice it would b greatly appreciated.

 

[Anonymous]

hello mate,

i have the str da2400es. i play aiff files from imac set amp to 2.1 with 2 ms mezzo 6 speakers, sounds very impressive, cds too. deep base and lots of clarity and detail, you can even hear those base strings being twanged in some songs.

 

[fubaruk]

Hi.........i just recently purchased the DENON AVR1910 and Wow its fantastic. Ive been waiting for over 12months before taking the plung, but after careful research my wait was over. My family and myself have enjoyed every momment we switch on our TV......Bluray...... Xbox360.....Pc and my phone.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the Heads up on the str da2400es, Wow the ms mezzo 6 speakers are fine beasts indeed, shame the budget wont extend to a pair.

All i have at the moment are KEF Cresta 2 speakers running thru a Cambridge A1 Stereo Amp, I assume that at 8 ohms rating the speakers will be OK for the front L /R speakers.

Would be interested to know if I would hear a noticeable improvement over the Cambridge given the speakers, I read a post somewhere where some said that a £400 av receiver still could not match a £250 dedicated stereo amp for music reproduction but I really want to hear "Dark Side of The Moon" in 5:1 in the next year once I have brought a full set up. I know the AV Receiver is going to be the heart of the system and dont want to make the wrong choice especially on the music side of things.

Fubaruk are you running a full surround system on the Denon? or just 2:1 ?? do you use it also for Audio, its right at the top end of my budget but its well rated.

 

[fubaruk]

Yes i am running 5.1 Sound, and its fantastic with audio too. For Around £450 you can't go wrong with Denon receiver.Y]

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Fubaruk I would be interested if anyone could give me
an idea of what to expect in terms of performance with my 2:1 current speaker
set up (Kef cresta 2 until I can upgrade).

I know people mention certain amps sound "Warm"
whilst others are "Bright and Clinical". I think its really between
the

SONY STRDA2400ES
DENON AVR1910

Can anyone give a heads up on the sound characteristics of both amps and any pluses / minuses.