Recommend basic amp for Pioneer 575

[Malakh]

Hi,

I've been using an integrated sony DAV 500 system and (finally) have decided to upgrade so I can play DiVX and Xvid discs. I've seen good reviews for the Pioneer 575 but it's occurred to me that, while it has onboard 5.1 decoding, it won't have an amp like my current system. I'm planning to keep my speakers (they're not great but I live in a flat and my neighbours aren't the most agreeable) but can anyone recommend an amp to go with the new player? I'd prefer one in silver to match and something quite slim if possible as I've not got a lot of room. Also I'd like to keep the price down as low as quality allows.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Astaroth]

Malakh

You need to give a rough guide price as what one person thinks is an acceptable quality another may think is a total waste of money

[Kier]

If a visual match is a high priority, the VSX-C402 and VSX-C502 match the 575's looks exactly.

The sound quality is pretty decent on both, considering the price.

VSX-C402-S:
http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/product_...onomy_id=62-98

VSX-C502-S:
http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/product_...onomy_id=62-98

[Malakh]

Well, to be honest I was kind of hoping to keep the amp price below £200 if possible - unless that's not really possible. The DAV S500 isn't the most powerful piece of kit in the world and it suited my needs so I don't need anything that will bring the walls down, just something of comparable quality that can produce clear, hiss-free sound and a good range to cover the odd viewing of Die Hard or whatnot. Will I be scraping the bottom of the barrel at under £200?

[Kier]

http://www.leconcepts.com/rxr/pirxer.htm

Pioneer VSX-C402 for £199.

Two friends of mine have the older VSX-C301 receiver and it gives a very good account of itself.

It's well worth noting that at the £200 mark you will get better sound quality from a full-size unit such as the VSX-D514 (also £199) rather than a slimline one. You'll also get far more inputs and the all-important six channel input for SACD and DVD-Audio, which you won't get on the slim receivers.

As an aside, if you can afford £50 extra, I can't emphasise enough how GOOD Pioneer's Automatic MCACC speaker setup system is. The cheapest model featuring it is the VSX-D814, which you can see on that page for £249. It will do a very good job of getting the best out of whatever speakers you have.

[Astaroth]

The award winning Denon 1905 would also be a good consideration and you should be able to pick one up for a little over £200 - I belive http://www.empiredirect.co.uk/conten...de=DEN-AVR1905 currently are selling it for £215 but you should be able to find it cheaper else where.

[Malakh]

That's great. Thanks guys, will see if I can scrape together an extra £50. Cheers for the help.

[ab1385]

I have to say, having had the pioneer C301 reciever, that having a Cabridge Audio Azur 540R was an enormous upgrade. Don't know how similar the other pioneer slimline amps are, but unless you really are restricted by space I'd go with either the Denon 1905 for a little over £200, or you'd probably be perfectly happy with the 1705 at around £175.

[Kier]

Originally Posted by Malakh

That's great. Thanks guys, will see if I can scrape together an extra £50. Cheers for the help.

Worth noting that they have the 814 for £220 here:
http://www.unbeatable.co.uk/CatalogueItem_20402.html

[hornydragon]

Originally Posted by Kier

If a visual match is a high priority, the VSX-C402 and VSX-C502 match the 575's looks exactly.

The sound quality is pretty decent on both, considering the price.

VSX-C402-S:
http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/product_...onomy_id=62-98

Is about £200 and will match DVD very very well mate also great connectivity (4 scarts 3 in 1out)