AV Receiver / 5.1 Set-up

[Rosscow]

Hi All,

Looking to spend some cash on some AV gear for the front room. I have kind of set my heart on the following but am open to suggestions:

Marantz 1603 AV Receiver
Mordaunt-Short Alumni 2 front and rear speakers (2 pairs)
Mordaunt-Short Alumni 5 centre front speaker
REL T5 sub (have heard a few less than brilliant reviews on the M-S Alumni 9 sub)

Does anybody have any experience with any of the above?

Many thanks

Rosscow

[Rosscow]

I'd like to do the whole lot for under a grand if possible.

This may, however, mean getting a cheaper sub and possibly going with the older Marantz 1602 AV receiver.

I've not had any experience with Onkyo if I'm honest.

[OldSkoolRS]

As an alternative I would suggest you look at BK Electronics for a subwoofer. For the £450 or so the REL is going for you could get a much deeper sounding sub or perhaps save some money and get an equivalent to the T5 for less money. As you'd be buying direct from the manufacturers you get a better deal. I'm not connected with BK but I own two of their subs and have been impressed with their service (they sent me a free replacement driver for my Monolith DF when it was damaged by overdriving which wasn't their fault). I have an XLS200 in my conservatory (it was originally used in my main system before I got the Monolith DF).

Monolith DF would be a step up from the T5, maybe the XLS200 would still be similar performance though it has a 10" driver compared to the REL's 8" one:

http://www.bkelec.com/HiFi/Sub_Woofers.htm

[Rosscow]

Thanks OldSkool, I'll give them a call

[arun1uk]

I've got the same Mordaunt-Short speakers that you're looking at. They're good, and providing they're driven by a decent amp, sound quite balanced.

The Alumni 5 Centre can sound a little harsh at times, but for movies and general TV it's fantastic. The only thing that annoys me is the glossy finish, as it attracts dust and reflections from strong light sources.
Together, they're not the best for music, but if you love music you'll probably get some decent floor standers.

Mine are paired up with a Yamaha RVX367 and I'm very happy with it. Got the Alumni 2's on ebay for £30 and the Alumni 5 from Richer Sounds for £90.

You could just get a speaker package to be honest, might save you a bit of money, as the one here: http://www.richersounds.com/product/1-box-home-cin...

Enjoy!

[Rosscow]

I've managed to win a pair of Alumni 2 speakers, new and unused in box, for £52 delivered on eBay.

That's one pair sorted!

[heisthegaffer]

OldSkoolRS said:

As an alternative I would suggest you look at BK Electronics for a subwoofer. For the £450 or so the REL is going for you could get a much deeper sounding sub or perhaps save some money and get an equivalent to the T5 for less money. As you'd be buying direct from the manufacturers you get a better deal. I'm not connected with BK but I own two of their subs and have been impressed with their service (they sent me a free replacement driver for my Monolith DF when it was damaged by overdriving which wasn't their fault). I have an XLS200 in my conservatory (it was originally used in my main system before I got the Monolith DF).

Monolith DF would be a step up from the T5, maybe the XLS200 would still be similar performance though it has a 10" driver compared to the REL's 8" one:

http://www.bkelec.com/HiFi/Sub_Woofers.htm

As per the other thread, I second OldSkoolRS regarding BK subs, just got their baby model, a Gemini 2. Absolutely fantastic, taut sound but you can feel it too. Great for movies and music, top build quality as well so very happy with it.

[Digger]

Bugger! You've brought to my attention that my Marantz 1602 which has been sat unopened for 7 months is about to become obsolete . . . grrr.

Luckily specs look identical apart from hdmi. If i were you I'd grab one and save £200ish on a 1603.

[LordFlathead]

If you are looking for a budget receiver, then I can whole heartedly recommend this Onkyo which I bought as a temporary one. For the money it is fantastic, and it switched HDMI at that price.

[robmlufc]

+1 for Onkyo gear!

[GhostDriver]

If your still after the alumnis I am selling a full set.

In black 4 sats & one centre, PM if your interested.

Oh and another +1 on BK subs, Im running the XLS200. Untouchable quality of sound for the price.

Oh and just for the record, Ive really enjoyed my time with the Alumni's. Great speakers, the detail the give out is mind blowing.

I had a case of upgraditus, and have now installed Monitor Audio Apex, which are in a different class.

Edited by GhostDriver on Tuesday 26th June 14:37

[Rosscow]

GD - you have mail!

[Rosscow]

Have just this afternoon picked up the set of Alumni speakers from GhostDriver.

Perfect condition - thanks so much GD for the hospitality and rigging them up to your amp to let me listen!

Now all I need is an amp and a sub.....

[GhostDriver]

My pleasure and a warm welcome to the joys of home cinema addiction.
Really hope you get as much enjoyment out of them as Ive had.
And dont forget to let me know how you find them!

Regards

[Rosscow]

Went out and bought a Marantz SR5006 at the weekend (black, obviously!).

http://www.marantz.co.uk/uk/Products/Pages/Product...

So far so good but I think I have lots of fiddling to do to get it 100%! And obviously I really need to get the sub sorted.....

The speakers sound great though, really pleased with them

[GhostDriver]

Nice amp, Marantz are generally pretty warm sounding.
Should make a good combo with the Alumnis.

The sub is a must though. Hopefully that demo with the BK convinced you to go with one of them.