Page 1 of Still more dumb questions.....

OK. still in research mode for a Surround system, on a buget...

first option is to just buy a kit in a box, namley the Yamaha VS10 and be done.

or (this is where the next question comes in) do DIY HT

get a seperate amp. hook my Shape Midi system (with 2 main 100w front speakers, and 2 rear surround speakers (25w)) to this amp, and buy a new sub and centre speaker. then hook the stereo to the amp via the digital input/output as well as the DVD player (dansai DVD852).

my thinkin is that i can get a better amp for the same money as buying an all in one set, and the speakers im useing will provide better sound quality.

for a sperate amp im lookin at Denon , the lower end of the sony DB range, or the yamaha RXV620 - 420 models.

all told im lookin at spending not much more than £300 on the amp, and getting the sub and center speaker in the months to come.

cheers for your help.
Mark

get a yamaha amp best £290 I ever spent, make sure you get a good sub makes all the differance

Getting the separate amp would do you best in the long run - I assume you want to hook up the midi for cassette? (CD you could play on the Dansai) - if so, I can`t imagine that cassette would be output through the optical output (but there may be a twin phono out instead).

Re using existing speakers - you will probably find that the centre you buy will not "match" the main speakers you have - this is important to provide a seamless transition across the front soundstage (sorry - sounds v "hifi"!!) as the sound moves around. It would do you at a pinch, but I would look to buy a centre from a decent range (Mission M, Wharfedale Diamond) so that you can consider upgreading your fronts at a later date to something else in the same range. Likewise the rears.
Alternatively, you should be able to set up the system to have a "phantom" centre - this may be better until you can get youself a complete pack of speakers. Then you can concentrate your cash on the sub for the moment (but cheap ones are a false economy).


I would go for the Denon - Unbeatable apparently have it for £261 (not sure if that covers delivery though) - otherwise try http://www.Hifijunkies.co.uk - they will price match.

I agree with RichardH.

I`ve just gone down the same road that you`re considering. I was originally going for an all in one system, but opted for the Denon AVR 1602 (Pro Logic 2 and plenty of power unless you live in an aeroplane hangar) hooked up to my old hifi. My surrounds and centre speaker belong to my Toshiba telly and I ain`t got me no sub yet. Okay, it might not be wonderful but it still sounds pretty good until I get some decent speakers. I`m sure it`s the best move long term and I`m perfectly happy with it.

A.

cheers.

i looked at the Yammy VS10 in Dixons yesterday... deffinatly not for me, i had read that it was an amp u either loved or hated.... and the speakers didnt seem up to scratch.

the Denon in the shop (it was a complete package - dvd, amp and speakers, but that was 600 squid!

the denon looked good tho :¬) (but id get it in black)

so im down to the denon 1802 or Technics SA DX950.