Should I get a subwoofer or a new AVR first?

[probedb]

My current setup is an older Denon AVR-2805, KEF Coda 9 floorstanders, 90C center and some bipole rears whose name escapes me at the second. I have an Oppo BDP-95 which is connected via 3 stereo phono leads for lossless HD audio from BR and just a normal S/P-DIF for DD/DTS. I can't do any processing on the ext-in on the AVR hence using the S/P-DIF for normal DD/DTS.

My current options are either buy a BK sub either a 200 or a 400, not sure what size would suit best yet, or get a Denon X4000 which is approx the similar model in the current range to my current AVR. Yes I know there is the X4100W but it's still expensive.

Am I more likely to benefit more from having a sub in the setup or from the better and more updated processing available in the new AVR?

Cheers!
Paul.

[IforB]

The sub will make the biggest difference. A better amp should make things sound better too, but unless your current amp is completely dire, then it will be less noticable.

When I buy kit I work on the wife test method for effectivity. If she says to me "something sounds different" then I know it's had a big effect and I mention that I've upgraded something and tell it cost 1/10th what it really did. If she stays quiet, then I stay quiet.

It works really quite well, though given it took her 3 weeks to realise when I'd changed the entire front array of speakers from my ancient and faithful old B&W CM's to a complete PMC front end, then she's not that perceptive about stereo kit!

[OldSkoolRS]

How about use the multichannel inputs on your 2808 and let the Oppo do the decoding? That way you get the full benefit of the HD soundtracks (rather than just stereo as it seems like you do now). I used to do this with my Oppo 93 into an older Arcam AV9 processor and it gave a great sound (just no EQ and less flexible crossover/bass management settings in the Oppo compared to a more modern amp.

The X4000 is quite old, now so don't pay over the odds (though it's a great time to buy IMHO when something is near end of life, provided you pay a fair price). Also, I'm not that sure that it's much of an upgrade (apart from the more modern processing, the amp side probably isn't much different to the 2808 and even more built down to a price thesedays.

I have an XLS200 (now in my conservatory) and I used to own a Monolith. If your room is a decent size then get the XLS400. The '200 is OK for it's size, but was lost in my 6.5 x 4 metre room. Once, when my Monolith broke I put the '200 back in the living room and I kept checking to make sure it was on...

[probedb]

Cheers folks, well it's a 2805 and I did say "I have an Oppo BDP-95 which is connected via 3 stereo phono leads for lossless HD audio from BR" The X4000 is only last years model and is the second one down in their AVR lineup but as you say it can be had cheap now I picked up my 2805 second hand many years ago so I'm happy not to have the current range.

I think I shall go for a sub and ask BK what they'd advice re sub-size

Thanks again!

[kingston12]

I think you are on exactly the right lines. Never buy the current model of an AVR because the previous year's one is nearly always half the price and will be almost exactly the same.

I have got a Marantz SR7007 and and SVS sub in one room and a Denon X4000 with BK XXLS400 in another.

The AVRs are at the same level and Denon and Marantz are now very similar under then hood anyway. The main difference between the SR7007 (2012 model) and X4000 (2013 model) is the that the later model has Audyssey XT32 room correction which is better than the XT on the older one.

There will always be new features on the horizon (Dolby Atmos, HDMI 2.0), but my view has always been to buy a capable receiver from the outgoing range with features that are usable now, do the same in 5 years time and still spend less overall. The Denon X4100W costs £1,300 but in 5 years will still be outstripped in terms of features by a lot of the entry level ones.

In terms of sub, don't look past the XXLS400, I think you'd need to spend at least double to get anything much better.

[OldSkoolRS]

probedb said:

Cheers folks, well it's a 2805 and I did say "I have an Oppo BDP-95 which is connected via 3 stereo phono leads for lossless HD audio from BR" The X4000 is only last years model and is the second one down in their AVR lineup but as you say it can be had cheap now I picked up my 2805 second hand many years ago so I'm happy not to have the current range.

I think I shall go for a sub and ask BK what they'd advice re sub-size

Thanks again!

Sorry I read that you'd connected 3 leads rather than 3 pairs (I thought of a stereo pair and composite video for some reason)...must have been half asleep when I posted.

I'm still using a 3805 in my conservatory set up; it's complete overkill for such a small space, but it's still a decent amp and worth virtually nothing to sell anyway. I've seen X4000 down to under £600 new, so you might get a bargain used one as there will always be someone wanting the new model.

Incase you're not aware, try having a look on AVForums classifieds incase one turns up. New members have to build up some 'likes' before being allowed to post on the classifieds though.

http://www.avforums.com/forums/amplifier-receiver-...

In fact there is an AVR4311 on there at the moment I noticed when I got that link for £600.

[probedb]

Thanks again all. Yes I've been having a look at the classifieds over there. Just need to check the pennies