Page 1 of DVD/hifi setup suggestions requested

Hi, I`m looking to get a cheap DVD player (something like the Cyberhome 512 - suggestions?), but am not sure how to go ahead on the audio side.

I`ve got a good quality analogue hi fi system (naim pre/power amps etc), which currently lives in the same room as the TV. I intend to use this initially to amplify the DVD audio signal - surround etc will have to wait. Do DVD players have a 2 channel analogue output I can use, or am I going to be reduced to butchering SCART cables?

Cheers

My advice is to grab a few DVD magazines.

I was on the hunt for a system as well, but had a look at "Home Cinema Choice", What DVD and What Hi-fi. All 3 of these magazines have lists and information on what to get e.t.c.

After a few days I pinned down my system :)

the cyberhome does have phono outputs for you to connect to your hifi
or if you`ve got a nicam tv just use the scart until you can upgrade to
a home cinema system

Richard,

I wouldn`t advise going for a cheap and cheerful DVD Player - I did and regretted every minute of it ! Sounds like you have a similar amp system to me (I have a NAC 82, Twin Hi-Cap and NAP 180 combination). I use a Yamaha E800 for cinema duties, which gives very good results for Home Cinema without affecting the Stereo performance of the system. It`s excellent value for about £250.

For DVD, I would recommend a reputable brand. I have a Sony 725, but Pioneer and Toshiba are also generally good.

Hope this helps.

Steve

Richard,

Steve`s right, if you have good hi-fi that your happy with a processor is the way to go and the Yamaha is very good. I made the mistake of replacing my hi-fi set up with an av receiver and DVD player and after a number of listens to my favourite CD`s I am disappointed with the systems Stereo performance (I should have auditioned it for longer).

Keep the Naim setup for the fronts and use the processor for the centre and rear`s. You don`t mention whether the DVD player is replacing your CD player as your main spinner? This would make your brand choice of DVD player more important as the more established players tend to offer the best of both worlds. What hi-fi place a lot of importance on CD replay when they review DVD players. Pick up a couple of back issues and you should see something you fancy. If like me though you have an average 28" TV and a good CD player you should find that a budget DVD player will suit you fine. I`ve not seen the Cyberhome but Richersounds have the LG3200e (an ok multi region player with coaxial digital out) for £129. Other budgets worth trying in my opinion are the Wharfdale, Eclipse and Lecson.

Thanks for all the input - I agree, it seems insane to shove a cheap front end device into decent amps (250/hicap/32.5 plus Shaninian Arc speakers), but I now have a family to support, plus wouldn`t mind building up some software before spending large on a decent DVD player, so hence the budget player.
I intend to keep my existing CD player for CD, so am really just looking for DVD reproduction.
readmenow - thanks for the suggestion on fronts/centre/rear - I guess this means I need an amplified output from the DVD player for centre/rear?
.....It was all much simpler in the 2 channel days

Thanks all

Richard,

2 channel is the way forward mate.....

but in the meantime the processor has amplification built in but only for the centre and rears. As I understand it you take the digital out from the DVD player to the processor. The speaker connections to the rears and centre are made from this box. You then take standard analogue outs to the stereo amps tape loop (or any available input) and voila! It means you have 2 volume controls to handle but once you`ve found your ideal listening levels the Yamaha`s volume can stay put. It really is the ideal solution for you I reckon. The Yamaha DSPE300 get`s rave reviews everywhere and has something like 70w for your rear and centre set up. Let me know how you get on...

This item was edited on Friday, 15th June 2001, 19:32

2 channel?.... come to think of mono has it`s attractions....

Cheers readmenow - I`d simultaneously come to the same conclusion - finally worked out all this processor business.

I think I need to sort myself out a dvd player first, then upgrade to a processor later....


.....but it tempting to do it all in one.....I`ve got a couple of small speakers ideal for rears.....and a friend said he has a spare centre speaker.....

Save me!

Richard,

this is the way I got started, a speaker here a bargain there...you`re beyond saving already...I guess by the time anyone joins in on a forum they well and truly have the bug....

If you`re stalling over a processor and have a spare 2 channel amp why not try this...Buy a DVD player with Dolby 5.1 decoding on board and use it`s 5 channel output to pass the signals thus:

Centre - TV audio in.
Front L & R - Main stereo amp.
Rear L & R - Spare stero amp.

Voila, bargain basement Dolby surround sound. You would have to make sure that the 3 volumes were adjusted to suit and I guess that using the TV`s audio channel would force you to use composite video (so the audio and video track are on the same TV channel)

Then when you can be a)bothered, b) afford it and c) the wife gives her permission you can buy the processor. It won`t be stunning but it will do for a while.