Which New Amp /Dvd?

[dicksopj]

I need a new amp and dvd player to go with a 6.1 AG Nucleus Micro speaker package and a Loewe Aconda 9318, which I believe accepts a component or composite feed for DVD. The Pioneer AX5i and 757i combination was top of my list but I have read of some people finding these amps too bright. I used to have a sony str940 and found that too bright and could not listen to it for long watching normal TV, it was fine for action films etc. I prefer a warm, rich sound to a bright, harsh one. I have also read of peole finding the AX5i warm? So I keep changing my mind when trying to decide. I cannot get a local demo with AG speakers so I am trying to build a good shorlist of amps/dvds that I can at least demo side by side. My list so far is in no particular order is:



1. Pioneer AX5i / 757i (will this be too 'bright' for me, I like the ilink feature )

2. Nad T763 and denon 2900 or new arcam DV87 dvd - would this offer the warm, rich, lush sound I am looking for? but no ilink) Nad seem to get some good press on the US forums, less so in the UK

3. The new Myryad Cameo Theatre combination.

4. HK5550 and DV30

5. unspecified second hand kit (next Denon model up from 3803?)



Usage will be mainly TV via Sky+ box plus films on DVD and some music aswell - would like to hear SACD, DVDA. I would like a set up that I can leave on for normal TV vewing - couldn't do this with the Sony as sound gets irritating (to me anyway) after a while. I know there is no substitute for a demo but I would appreciate any thoughts anyone may have. Also a few more variables to put in the pot - I could add an A'diva as a centre and get a 7.1 set up and wait for a DP11x amp. I couldn't spend more than what the above combinations cost now on the more competitive sites.

Help!



thanks



Pete

[juboy]

I need a new amp and dvd player to go with a 6.1 AG Nucleus Micro speaker package and a Loewe Aconda 9318, which I believe accepts a component or composite feed for DVD. The Pioneer AX5i and 757i combination was top of my list but I have read of some people finding these amps too bright.




Welcome to AV Talk :thumbup:



There are a couple of us on here that run the AX5i/757Ai combination and whilst the amp is probably on the brighter side it should be noted that along with THX Post Processing (which specifically tames higher frequency response for domestic listening) the AX5i also employs 5 band acoustic EQing for each of the 6 channels you'd be using.



Using an AIR Studios approved system, the unit automatically sets the EQing to provide a flat response throughout your speaker system - which is why many people feel the sound can be a little bright. However, the EQing can also be run automatically and then tweaked manually, allowing you to push the upper bass and lower mid-range a little and tame the higher frequencies, which would result in a warmer sound.



Whilst it's likely the Denon and NAD amps would have a warmer sound 'out of the box', the AX5i and 757Ai gives you so many advantages over a combination like the NADT763/Denon 2900 that I'd still make sure you at demo it and make sure the shop lets you listen with it correctly auto-set up and also with the non-EQ'd settings, as I've found these tend to be warmer.



Let us know when you've demoed as it'll be very interesting to hear your comments.

[Jonas]

The Pioneer MACC system really does work.



When I first got my 2011 (The AX5i uses an updated MACC system + other improvements), I didn't actually like the MACC EQ settings; I was looking for that nice 'warm' sound you mention, as I had also come from a Sony AV amp. But after 6 months or so of listening I realized that the sound wasn't bright, it was crystal clear, I was mistaking the two. The MACC EQ makes a world of difference, especially if you don't have the time or knowledge to tweak the system on your own.



When you do the demo, make sure you listen for an extended period of time and look out for sequences with lots of dialogue combined with a wide range of surround effects and music. Listen with the EQ setting on and off and make your judgment. Also make sure that the dealer has run the MACC setup properly, ideally get them to show you in the demo room.