myself was using yamaha rx-v463.

damn good feature set for beginner, such as auto room calibration and dolby trueHD, dts master audio, speaker A-B, plenty of RCA as well as legacy connection like spdif, no hdmi hand shaking issue (version 1.2a). usb playback, rare titanium colour, long lasting and low power consumption.

no network support back then, everything need to control from the unfriendly tight packed remote. no hdmi overlay for GUI settings.

i learned from many sifu here, it is not always the best to buy latest model, but aim higher range as long it fulfill the feature you need. that will rewards u with stronger amp section and built quality.


u wont go wrong with any of the british brands. mordaunt short > wharfedale diamond for movie.
BR2 win all if you dont use subwoofer, given 6.5" cone size

rear bass port =Mission M31i, diamond 10.1, MS Aviano 1
front port =BR2

necessaty for basic avr are just hdmi port and 5 channel surround. buy some cable u can start enjoy liao.

additional features for modern avr are:
network remote control (using apps) and dlna streaming, bluetooth wifi even better!
usb port to load flac and other lossless codecs
front side hdmi port and MHL devices
auto calibration with multiple seat & subwoofer eq
house sound tuning (by xxx studio, yyy endorsed, zzz gurantee)
beefy powderful amplifier
high quality separate DAC, decoder
multi zone 2,3,4,5...
integrate with smart home automation system
full channel pre-out for external amplifier
going 7 or 9 channel surround add front height and wide speakers

not to forget the "atmos"


This post has been edited by ktek: Nov 21 2014, 10:01 PM

Haha the thread was created for my friends a few years back. Most of the speakers are slightly over 1k on the market now.

Ironically, most of those who interested in those speakers are ended up with xls Encore.

Sharing a pics of system wired by Skogrand SCI Tchaikovsky Interconnect and SC Tchaikovsky speakers cables - Cheras

the giant towers makes me wow !

it will most probably blow your undies away too...

Went to International Sound Exhibition yesterday.

read a lot good review for topping tp60 & XLS Encore..

any comment this combo for MOVIE? My usage 90% music 10% movie.

tq

Bro, you need multichannels for movie.

Hi all sifus,

I have a budget between 2-3k and I want to start with a 2.1 setup or maybe 2.0.

With this budget, am i stuck only to HTIB? My usage are mainly for movies and gaming. I will be connecting a PS4 and a PC as well to this setup.

Also, where's the best place to test the setups?

Thanks!

actually u are looking for home theater, not hifi stereo,when u mention movie and games.

3k is good budget to start from a pair of bookshelf speaker and av receiver. Additional cost like cable have to count too

Anybody own a Yamaha A-S501 stereo amplifier? How is it if pair with Wharfedale or Monitor Audio BR2?

I have a friend who owns A-S700, higher end model compared to 500 series.
He told me once there was not much differences compared to TP60 except that A-S700 is slightly brighter on mid. He tested it with XLS Encore and Kef Q300.


This post has been edited by fx20: Dec 4 2014, 10:42 PM

The other day I auditioned BR2 with Dio's Holy Driver. The bass was kind of "boomy" and messed up and the mid is a bit darker. It counldn't articulate Vivian Campbell's Les Paul notes very well. It is a good speaker but I think not really suitable for rock music.

hmm, don't know how is it compare to NAD 3020i

I believe in progression of science.
3020i is an old amp. I believe the modern amp should sound alike or better than old designs. This is true especially with the advancement of audio testing equipments which can help designer to build amps that deliver better and accurate sound.

I own a Teac A-X750 DC Integrated Amplifier, which was considered 1 of the best int amp in 80s (it has cd direct, which was a great deal then). I tested it out a couple year ago, it could hardly meet my taste today except my nostalgia love of it when it has served me almost 10 years, and of course, the high price I paid for it.

If you still fancy with NAD product, their NAD D 3020 Hybrid Digital Amplifier is pretty good. It is based on the Hypex class D design, which is one of the high end class d solution. I believe this sounds much better than the old 3020i.

Just my opinion, sorry if I offended NAD die hard fans.

Thanks for your experience sharing. So far planning amp in list:

Arcam FMJ A19
Marantz PM6005
Yamaha A-S501
NAD D3020

Most probably will go for Marantz

Anyone knows the current price for Denon PMA-1520AE?

Hi sifus.

I'm looking to buy a pair of bookshelf speakers for my tv and connect it with a lepai amp or something similar. Not much budget to work here.

Is this a good deal or I'm better off looking for something in similar price range at shops in KL?

Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 GBP99.00
http://www.superfi.co.uk/p-2442-wharfedale...akers-pair.aspx

Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 & SW150 package for GBP229.00
http://www.superfi.co.uk/p-3250-wharfedale...er-package.aspx

Got some lubang for the postage. So that won't be an issue.

Pairing with monitor audio then is better to go with arcam. British made will fit british all the way

Why not search for used 10.1 in KL. It will be around 600-700 range