why don't you buy the sub instead of the center?

Phantom center can sound OK, but Alpha B1 without sub... not so good eh?

Don't know about the Marantz, but both the Yamaha and Pioneer is about RM1,500/- only. So you still have RM400 to spare.

have you heard/auditioned any of them?

buy pioneer

let us know which u decide

i dunno the prices but the shops that actually sells them should know

when r u getting it? can't wait to hear ur reviews

The onkyo or denon brand??

I think perhaps you look at the three models.  Search which of them allow any pre-amp out to cater for your future upgrade to more powerful Power Amp if you want to upgrade years down the road.

Then you have to listen to each model, if possible, bring along you speakers there and listen to all three of them in single session.

what about denon avr-1610?

Chan, to audition the amp, here's my advice.

1.  Make sure they neutralise the equaliser.  Some AV Amp comes with loudness which enhance the bass and trebles, it is not the real sound you want for audition.  So make sure they set it to neutral, or Zero.  I made a mistake once.

2.  Bring along music CD that you know best from your own home.  If possible, bring along a vocal CD, Music CD - both instruments and Rocks ( i also bring along a classical CD too if you have it), and then a movie with lots of noise, actions, and test the sound separations.  Don't use their subwoofer.  Just your 3 speakers thats all.

grab the pioneer......especially the one that can support High def......  

Go for Denon 1910
or Marantz NR1501 - is better than Pioneers

Go for 1909 instead of 1910 becos not worth the price u pay for , the 1909 is only one model down n the price u pay for is only 1850 compare with 1910 at 2450, but its hard to find, if silver colour still available but black u can try your luck, i just got myself a black 1909 n told me final one if silver colour still available.

Got it from Penang Hi Fi Choice n will be receiving it either today or tomorrow becos send from dealer from KL

Is that so?    I thought Desa HT always has the best deal.

Hey, got my 1909 yesterday,all seal n its new set not display set, saw one more left with black colour, if u interest can go n grab it before sold out.

Got it from penang hi fi choice at one stop complex for 1850, can call 042295880 ask for Tony.

Did u consider Onkyo 606. If u still able to find it.

hehehe if u think havin a sub means 'vibrating noise' then why go for sub at all?its not meant to produce 'noise'...in more techy terms...it provides the low fequencies ur speakers are unable to provide & its of high importance to get the boomy feel of the music or movies ur playing...try playing without a sub & u can see how flat it is...