Cry for help...

Anyone know anything about digital AV amplifier kits? (i.e. plug into back of DVD player or TV to give full Digital 5.1 surround sound "The Full Home Cinema Sound Experience")

Any recommendations? any useful sources (web based or high street). The Comet/Curry's of the world seem to recommend the Sony HTK-215?? I know Sony are OK with TVs but never overly rated them sound wise

All help gratefully received!

 

How about the Yamaha HitBox 40 (Home Theatre in a Box) I've seen it available for £327 is highly rated in What Hi-Fi & Video.

I've been considering purchasing one myself, but it will have to wait as I just had 4 new Toyo's fitted today that blow my AV budget (

 

Try http://www.homecinemachoice.com there are reviews and a forum.
If we knew what your budget was, we could help with suggestions.
Personally, unless I know I can get something cheaper in Comet/Dixons/Currys, I stick with my local specialists. Specialists should give you time and a decent demo room where you can try the kit you're thinking of buying, with material you are familiar with, although turning up unannounced with a handful of DVDs on a Saturday afternoon may stretch their patience .

Martin.

[Edited by M_D_B - 1/21/2002 9:07:11 PM]

 

http://www.thedvdforums.co.uk is a popular forum, loads of experts and When i asked the same question got loads of advice.

In the end , I went to Richer Sounds and bought a Kenwood DTS Amp (£150) and a Set of 5 Eltax Speakers (£150), Very impressed


Andy

 

If you have the budget go for the new Linn Classik DVD, retails at £2000. It'll blow you away, due fo release mid Feb. If you're interested mail me and I'll send you specs

 

Thanks Guys - looking at a budget of c£350-£500 for amp and speakers?

Am planning to troll round a couple of specialists today to see what I can figure out.


Oh and attractive that the Linn systems sounds, £2k is a little out of my budget. A friend has a Linn system (9 amps, CD, MD, DAT and 4 Linn speakers (plus two enormous Tannoys)) Truly the best sound I have ever heard, but the system set him back over £50k and thats was with a discount

 

Denon AVR1602 is a superb amp/reciever and you can pick them up for 150 odd quid. I have the AVR1802 and its a little more money, but sonically its spot on.

Would recommend the Eltax speakers already mentioned too. Check Richer Sounds website.

Dave

[Edited by druddle - 1/22/2002 10:26:50 AM]

 

Have a look around the www.scan.co.uk website. They sell a few Av systems and if you check their 'today only' page they occasionally sell them a little cheaper.

 

Gary

I've just bought a Yamaha amp with Mission speakers.

For £300-£500, the Yamaha HTiB 40 (amp and all speakers) really takes some beating.

I got my stuff from www.hispek.co.uk

 

I got a Panasonic SA-HT80 DVD 5.1 in a box, as my second system. Used in the family room and is great for the money. Kids can use it with ease (including the three year old) Five disk changer, comes with all the speakers and a nice sub. Not sure how much I paid for it, but considerable less than just my Sub on my first system. The first system rarely gets used as it too bloody loud and bassy.

I had to buy a programmable remote for the first system, cause my misses spent hours just trying to turn it all on.

Oh and I agree with the chap using the Mission speakers, I love the sound of Mission speakers so much!!!

Cheers Phill C

 

Looking at a similar sort of thing, too. Shortlist is Yamaha AX620 amp (£290 Richer Sounds) or Marantz SR4200 receiver (£270 Richer Sounds). I'm looking for a sub/satellite speaker set-up (i.e. small speakers) and the Quadral 120 @ £200 gets a good write-up.

 

Looking at the Denon 1802 £300ish

Mission 773e fronts 199 (richer sounds)

Mission M73 rears 137 (qed)

Mission 77c1 ctr 99 (richer sounds)

ok a bit over your budget but it will sound superb playing cds and dolby 5.1

way way better than the all in one boxs

Tal (still looking and listening)