Replacing NAD stereo system with Denon Surround

[lazymanc]

Hi, I currently have a NAD system (C320BEE + 521BEE i.e. bottom of their range) but I'm looking to upgrade to a surround setup - got a few questions if you dont mind

I'll be going to demo the 2807 in the next few weeks paired with my existing Kef iQ3s, an iQ2c centre and probably some Q2ds dipole surrounds. It's important to me that I don't suffer a drop in stereo quality with this upgrade, because i'd say the majority of my listening is stereo cds (70/30 with films/tv) - is the 2807 likely to be able to hold its own against the NAD (I know this is subjective which is the reason for the demo but just trying to get an idea)?

I don't really have room to keep the NAD amp alongside the Denon, so it's going to have to be a swap-out. This also has me considering replacing the CD player with a Denon 1930 dvd player. How does it cope in this role? I've had dvd players in the past that can take 30 seconds or so to start playing a CD and this has become frustrating. I'm assuming I would use a digital out to the Denon receiver and use the DAC there instead of in the player?

Lastly, my room is long and narrow, are dipoles a better solution than some small bookshelf speakers (i.e. iQ1s)? I'm currently favouring the dipoles because they will be easier to mount and wont stick out as far.

Thanks in advance.

[Cable Monkey]

Brutal honesty. Firstly the Denon is unlikely to be any better that your Nad. It will be different and there are plenty of variables which if adjusted wrong may make your music sound worse. Secondly the 1930 will not be as good as the Nad for CD, plus using the digital output ties you into using digital processing on the amp, another obstacle to satisfactory stereo performance. By all means demo the kit but don't be too surprised if stereo is disappointing.

[Baldybouncer]

I think some people always belive that an 'av amp' cannot sound good on music...

Having had my 1920 connected via my 2807 to my monitor audio GS20's for about a month now I can tell it sounds awesome. More than a match for budget hifi equipment... Its audiophile snobbery of the highest degree. Just because it says DENON on the badge and its made in Japan doesnt mean it sounds rubbish.

Give it a try and I am sure you will be suprised how good it can sound (especially the 2807 bi-amped)

[lazymanc]

Thanks, I appreciate the comments. To be honest the NAD gear is stonking for the price, paid about £350 for the pair just over a year ago, I really am still chuffed to bits with it.

If I could afford (and had the room) to have both a stereo and surround set up then it'd be a no-brainer to keep the NAD. Unfortunately that isn't the case so I'm going to have a very tough decision should the 2807 not feel right with my cds.

I'll certainly be trying bi-amping the front speakers if/when I get the 2807 though because I won't be using the 2 spare surround channels (it is possible to do this right?)

[Baldybouncer]

Yes. The bi-amping on the 2807 (and other models) comes from the spare 2 channels (7.1 amp) if your only running a 5.1 system