[Vimeous]

Hi all I would appreciate some advice on the next step for my setup.

Currently I am driving my front speakers (B&W DM602) with my Arcam Alpha 9 and using the a Yamaha DSP492 to drive and process the centre (B&W CC6 S2) and rear channels (Tannoy 603).
As the Yamaha is Pro-logic only but supports digi-in I use my Toshiba SD420 DVD player to process the digi-surround before it is passed to the Yamaha.

Clearly my setup is ageing and I'm looking improve the overall balance and general sound field.

I already know a tonally matched pair of rears would be very beneficial so adding a s/h pair of DM600/601's would be fine.
To add drive a small sub or maybe a pair of DM603's at the front and move the DM602's to the rear would suffice.

However I'm stuck on the amplification.

Do I acquire a s/h Yamaha DSP-E800 to replace the 492 for sub-£100 or do I save for to replace both amps with a musical integrated such as those from Arcam (£250+ for AVR200)?
If you suggest the integrated route which Arcam model would be the minimum to make a step forward in sound-quality in sterio over the Alpha 9?

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated!

Number 1 question - what's your budget?

[Vimeous]

Hmm budget...

£400 max in the short-term but I am prepared to save as much as is reasonable (sub-£1000 preferred!) for the next stage along my hifi road.
I am looking to maintain sterio and improve the cinema quality as a minimum. If the benefits are worthwhile I will wait until suitable funds are available.

For example a s/h pair of DM601 S2's with an E800 are attainable now. However if I can expect little advance over what I already have I will save and wait for something better.

I popped into my local Sevenoaks over the weekend and asked a similar set of questions.

Their suggestions included: DM601's for the rear; forget the E800 for a more modern receiver and keep the Alpha 9 driving the fronts; listen to my setup with a sub before diving down the DM603 route; and an AVR200 or 250 wouldn't cut it in sterio vs my Alpha 9, sudition an AVR280 or 350 instead.

Interestingly I note the AVR300 can still be picked up new for £800 but by the time I could afford one it'll be s/h only I suspect.

Of course I need to audition the various options (not possible for the E800 or earlier DM generations) but would you agree with the suggestions made? Do you think the Arcam / B&W combo will be too warm for example? Would a Yamaha RX N600D be a suitable receiver companion for the Alpha 9 as the ability to network would a novel but useful addition?

[inicholson]

If you want to dem a Yamaha DSP-E800 then buy one on eBay (£80 is the going rate), ideally one that's local so you don't pay postage. If you don't like it sell it on again - you're (almost) guaranteed to get your £80 back. You just got a free home dem.!

PS looks like your DSP-E492 is worth about £40 on eBay so if the 800 is a worthwhle upgrade then it's turned out to be a bit of a bargain for £40 extra. Let me know how you get on 'cos i'm thinking of buying one or the other myself! i would have done it already but i got distracted by a Linn power amp and some active cards for my speakers which have taken up all my time and money.

[Richard46]

Originally Posted by inicholson

If you want to dem a Yamaha DSP-E800 then buy one on eBay (£80 is the going rate), ideally

There is an auction for one ending today actually (21-05-07) its not mine by the way.

One thing my E800* only has Prologic not Prologic II which I think is much better and may be a factor if it going to be used for simulating surround from stereo TV.

*Perhaps later ones have PLII?

Edit NB Just noticed the OP has not posted on this thread since March so probably sorted by now