AV Amp upgrade - FAO Deristrictor

[David A]

A few years back I bought a Yamaha DSP AX 759SE from Derestrictor himself, now its been brilliant. Can't fault it. However I may have the opportunity to upgrade so wondering what is suitable and cost sensible alternative, some things to note:

1. I currently use a Thor hdmi switch as the current (der supplied) TV only has a 1 hdmi in, so the ability to switch the hdmi inputs on the av amp would be good.
2. Music is handled via a behrigner DAC into a valve amp so this isn't really needed to fulfil music needs (though obviously don't want to go backwards!)
3. I've got a 7.1 setup, fronts and center are KEF Q900s (big and loud), rears are ceiling mounted and there's a 12" active sub
4. All movie material is generally blue ray image
5. It will have xbox, ps3, wii, computer, sky+ going in (Wii is component)
6. I've a harmony 1 remote so no issues there
7. Front pre-outs to feed the av amp would be a nice option too

Any ideas or am I best sticking with what I've got? The biggest benefit would actually be getting rid of the Thor hdmi switch!

Dave

p.s. those Samsungs with the ultra thin bezel - when are they coming in a 65" ?

[DavidY]

Having had an Arcam AVR400 for a weekend, I reckon that would be a good start. Deals are to be had with a bit of dealer negotiation.

I didn't end up buying it (although it was very impressive) as it was out-pointed on DD/DTS by my 'legacy' Meridian processor. It did handle the HD audio codecs well, but I mainly use SKY HD Movies, and play very few Blu-Rays so it wasn't for me.

davidy

[tdm34ds]

David A said:

A few years back I bought a Yamaha DSP AX 759SE from Derestrictor himself, now its been brilliant. Can't fault it. However I may have the opportunity to upgrade so wondering what is suitable and cost sensible alternative, some things to note:

1. I currently use a Thor hdmi switch as the current (der supplied) TV only has a 1 hdmi in, so the ability to switch the hdmi inputs on the av amp would be good.
2. Music is handled via a behrigner DAC into a valve amp so this isn't really needed to fulfil music needs (though obviously don't want to go backwards!)
3. I've got a 7.1 setup, fronts and center are KEF Q900s (big and loud), rears are ceiling mounted and there's a 12" active sub
4. All movie material is generally blue ray image
5. It will have xbox, ps3, wii, computer, sky+ going in (Wii is component)
6. I've a harmony 1 remote so no issues there
7. Front pre-outs to feed the av amp would be a nice option too

Any ideas or am I best sticking with what I've got? The biggest benefit would actually be getting rid of the Thor hdmi switch!

Dave

p.s. those Samsungs with the ultra thin bezel - when are they coming in a 65" ?

David YHM (via DeR)

[Driller]

Dave could you show us how your in ceiling surrounds are positioned please? (photos would be great!)

[David A]

Driller said:

Dave could you show us how your in ceiling surrounds are positioned please? (photos would be great!)

Will need to get round to taking a photo but basically in the middle kindof aligned with the back of the sofa is the center which is dual thing i.e. its left and right. The left and right rears are slightly forward and to the left and right of the sofa - see diagram below. I got the speakers in the USA so can't remember what they were and certainly am not going to get them out to look after the effort to put them in!!

...._o_
.o.|.......|.o

[David A]

David A said:

Will need to get round to taking a photo but basically in the middle kindof aligned with the back of the sofa is the center which is dual thing i.e. its left and right. The left and right rears are slightly forward and to the left and right of the sofa - see diagram below. I got the speakers in the USA so can't remember what they were and certainly am not going to get them out to look after the effort to put them in!!

...._o_
.o.|.......|.o

Diagram doesn't work quote it to see what it looks like

[Driller]

David A said:

David A said:

Will need to get round to taking a photo but basically in the middle kindof aligned with the back of the sofa is the center which is dual thing i.e. its left and right. The left and right rears are slightly forward and to the left and right of the sofa - see diagram below. I got the speakers in the USA so can't remember what they were and certainly am not going to get them out to look after the effort to put them in!!

...._o_
.o.|.......|.o

Diagram doesn't work quote it to see what it looks like

Thanks for that Dave, much appreciated.

By quoting you I see what the diagram should be (weird that it changes when you hit "submit"). So you're running a stereo rear in the middle behind the sofa (is that 6.1 technically? Anyway it's more than enough) with the sides as you say above.

Are you happy with the effect it gives?

No worries for the speaker type, I currently have Monitor Audio C265FX in ceiling dipole/bipole surrounds either side in a 5.1 system and am seriously considering adding one or two rears for a 6.1 or 7.1 setup.

Just wondered how it worked out for you.

[David A]

Think it is 7.1, i'm fairly certain on the test tones it does a left and right and the tweeters in it could be angled...

1 Center, 2 front, 2 rear, 2 middle rear, .1 sub = 7.1

Yes very happy with the sound, no real need to upgrade but you know how it is...

[monkey gland]

David A said:

FAO Deristrictor
p.s. those Samsungs with the ultra thin bezel - when are they coming in a 65" ?

Just make sure you don't buy his warranty.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Driller]

David A said:

Think it is 7.1, i'm fairly certain on the test tones it does a left and right and the tweeters in it could be angled...

1 Center, 2 front, 2 rear, 2 middle rear, .1 sub = 7.1

Yes very happy with the sound, no real need to upgrade but you know how it is...

Thanks again for the info David. I see what you mean, as it's a stereo speaker in the middle it plays two channels so 5.1 + 2 =7.1

I know what you mean about upgradeitis. I suffer from very bad GAS. (Gear Aquisition Syndrome )