Hifi recommendations required

[mnbvcxz]

Hi guys,

I need to update my sound system and looking for something fairly standard (not 5.1 surround sound or anything like that).

A couple of options I was considering was:

Denon M38
Denon DX1000
Yamaha MCS-1330
Yamaha MCR-730

I would like bookshelf style speakers so it doesn't take up much room, and sound quality and clarity is highest priority. DVD/Bluray isn't required but is a nice bonus.

Thoughts? Experience? Recommendations?

[Illuminate]

Re: Hifi recommendations required

If you're not strapped for cash there's the desktop range or whatever it's called from Bang and Olufsen. Very sleek, stylish and a decent sound quality.

But if you are strapped for cash I'd stick with Denon.

[mnbvcxz]

Re: Hifi recommendations required

If you're not strapped for cash there's the desktop range or whatever it's called from Bang and Olufsen. Very sleek, stylish and a decent sound quality.

But if you are strapped for cash I'd stick with Denon.

I'll check it out. I've also seen quite a number of standalone bookshelf speakers such as Bowers and Wilkens and BOSE. But then I need to get a receiver and CD player.

[bobjuice]

Re: Hifi recommendations required

Without any experience of the exact models you mention, i'd still recommend Yamaha > Denon all day long.

My general purpose pc listening stereo is made by Denon and it's shit. It was given to me and it serves a purpose, that's all.

Without wanting to tempt fate i've never had a problem with any Yamaha kit i've owned, it's all been the business. I've a Yamaha cassette player that is now 23 yrs old and good as new. Regular clean and demag is all it's had, plus a lot of use. I thought i was stretching myself when i bought it but it's paid for itself time and again.

Guy where i live who deals in top end stuff is a Nakamichi loyalist and knows a thing or two, but he recommended Yamaha for my budget - that was good enough for me.

[mnbvcxz]

Re: Hifi recommendations required

^^ I think I've moved on from Denon and currently looking at the following:

Cambridge Sonata DR30/CD30 and Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 speakers.

Still haven't decided though :S

[bobjuice]

Re: Hifi recommendations required

I've a pair of these (Royd Coniston) which are 23yrs old same as the tape deck. Not even sure if Royd are still going but these are magic. I'd buy another pair second hand and have them serviced rather than new stuff for similar price i think.



I also have a pair of these (Linn Kan II)



A little over the budget you're talking about but, again i'd consider a well looked after 2nd hand pair over the wharfdales you mention. Though i realise going the 2nd hand route is a potential minefield you may not want to risk. Just a thought

[mnbvcxz]

Re: Hifi recommendations required

Interesting. Definitely appreciate that 2nd hand would get me far better speakers but not sure if I can easily find the gear in Australia.

Wharfedales are a bit over entry level but they're reasonably priced so buying new would be nice. The unit itself is quite decent I think so I could always upgrade the speakers later if I decide they're no longer sufficient. I want to future proof myself as much as possible on the tight budget I have.

[bobjuice]

Re: Hifi recommendations required

Go to your nearest dealer and listen to everything they have to demonstrate to you. An hour of listening will beat a week of net research and reading magazines. Take your favourite tunes with you and see what you think with your own ears. You may be conscious of your budget but the guy in the shop doesn't have to be if you don't tell him, for all he knows he's on the verge of a 2 grand deal.

[Kamal]

Re: Hifi recommendations required

you said you didn't care for 5.1 but DVD/BluRay isn't required but is a plus? I'm a little confused what you're trying to piece together, just a CD Player? Speakers and Amp seem evident enough. I'm with Bob on the Brand. You just can't go wrong with Yamaha for what it's worth. If Lexus will bank on Yamaha for the acoustic design of their LFA Super Car, I'd say you're in good hands.

You can get a good / inexpensive, yet high quality amp from Yamaha.

The best book-shelf speakers I have heard are B&Ws. Mated with a small sub, you just won't go wrong. Of course this is mainly for Audio but if you can fork it out, buy a second set for the rears and throw in a decent / low cost center speaker. I've had a few friends who've built the Yamaha / B&W combination and they sound outright delicious for movies and music.