Edcase

Well, its about time to replace my ageing Sony 'all-in-one' dvd / 5.1 surround system. It's done me well as a 'starter' kit but the front left speaker intermittently cuts out and it doesn't take an ipod connection, which I need now we've dumped my old amp and speakers.

I don't need a dvd player as the PS3 upscales nicely and is fine for dvd use, so really what I need is:

- Dolby Amp / decoder, ideally with multiple optical inputs
- MUST have an input for ipod
- Discreet but not at the expense of quality, wall-mountable speakers

Budget is fairly flexible, no more than £1500 but preferably below a grand. Not willing to spend 000's on the law of diminishing returns.

Also how is wireless speaker technology coming along? A way to go I assume?

thanks
Ed

bonerp

i got a samsung ht-xq100. Sounds great and looks the dogs too. Also has wireless capability.

Edcase

Cheers, looking for something a little more high-end, no need for dvd so the extra money can go on a better sound processor and speakers.

sti-04!!

Onkyo 805 Amp with SBS Speaker package from Audio, Video and Home Cinema from AV Sales

It gets raved about on avforums.

Edcase

this one?

Onkyo TX-SR805 805 TXSR805 txsr805 sr805 Black Silver - AV Amps & Receivers - Shop Online With AV Sales

Edcase

and these?

SVS SBS-01 & SB12 Sub 5.1 Speaker Package - Surround Packages - Shop Online With AV Sales

sti-04!!

Yes. I am going for that speaker package & the SR905 in the next couple of weeks.

sti-04!!

You could drop down to the 605 & you would be in budget, also call them first as there is a deal to be done on the speakers if you ask

Edcase

I think the 805 may be overkill for the room size, but looks a great package overall!

Think I will give them a call tomorrow! Thanks!

Edcase

wow, this thing looks great! 3 optical inputs too!

Onkyo TX-SR605 605 TXSR605 txsr605 sr605 Black Silver - AV Amps & Receivers - Shop Online With AV Sales

Quick q tho, what's the benefit of running the HDMI through it? I currently have the hdmi right into the TV and an optical link for the audio?

thanks
Ed

LG John

I've got a last generation Onkyo with the ipod base and I'm really pleased with it. Kicks out a fair bit of heat but it has been flawless and does everything I need it to do. Currently got xbox 360 plugged into component inputs, DVD and Telewest into HDMI and it talks to the plasma via HDMI out. I don't know a great deal about amps but it runs the show nicely and when I was playing Bioshock demo late at night with the surround sound up fairly high I was properly sh*tting myself

Edcase

So your sound is going via the hdmi rather than seperate optical cables?

Edcase

Like the look of these, as I say its a small room, those SBS satellites are big and rectangular and will stand out like a sore thumb, but are these ones style over substance???

Tannoy Arena 5.1 Speaker Package - Surround Packages - Shop Online With AV Sales

sti-04!!

Kef eggs could be the way to go if you fancy something small ?
Running HDMI through the amp will help you control it all better, i dont know the ins & outs yet as i am still researching.
Keep us posted on what you pick, AVsales seem to be the ones to speak to though.

LG John

Yes

MattW

I've just bought the 605s with a set of KEF 3005 speakers. With leads and 4 stands it set me back about 1350. Went up to Creative Audio in Shrewsury to pick it up as KEF do not allow shipment.

Got a cheap HDMI upscaling DVD, Wii and Sky + running through it using HDMI, very impressed with the whole set up. Everything TV wise controlled from the Onkyo remote.

605 Deals here

Onkyo TX-SR605 Receiver Hot Deals from Creative Audio

805 deals

Onkyo TX-SR805 Receiver Hot Deals from Creative Audio


Edited to add, SKY is using SVideo and Optical Sound, DVD uses HDMI and Coax sound, the WII is an RGB connection.

Edcase

So this one?

Onkyo TX-SR605 / KEF KHT3005

Hmmm, looks good. The only thing putting me off the tannoys is the cost of the wall mounts! Crazy!

MattW

Ed, if it's a small room the 1005 may be a good option. The KEF's have wall mounts, the stands are extra (£99 a pair). Even the centre came with a wall mount.

MattW

As for Ipod connectivity

ONKYO DSA2X IPOD DOCK - available from Superfi UK Visit http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/page/moreinfo.cfm/product_id/3523 for details

Type-R

Hi Mate,

Take a look at the Denon Range of Amp's AVR2087 is what I have - its clean and crisp sound with some many features - it actually sets it self up plus Ipod connectivity.

Also bought some Canton speakers - never heard of them before you may ask - German speakers similar in quality to B&W - take a look at their website they look and sound fantastic and beat similar specs avaialbe in the UK (bose, MA etc)

Denon Amp plus Canton speakers would be around 1k

Deep Singh

Hi Ed.

I bought the 605 (use optical for sound from Sky HD) at £399, Kef 2005.2s for £500 and a Denon DVD 1930 (£200). The Kefs are wall mounted ( to keep my sons hands off them!)
The room is 18x13 and semi open plan to another room of the same size. This setup fills the room with no probs and the sound quality from DVDs is just fantastic, very happy.
For more money you'll obviously get better kit, but for £900 its a belter.
Denons etc at the same price will not have as good connectivity (inc ipod, hdmi etc)

Chip

Ive got KEF 2005.1s and a Yamaha amp.

I too can recommend Creative Audio in Shrewsbury.

Chip