DAVS300: Best all in one???

MarkR · 21-07-2003, 1:19 PM

Hi folks, I have had my Sony DAVS300 for about 3 years now, OK it was good for its time. Is it any good now??? or is there a more powerful system outhere similar to DAVS300 I can upgrade to.

Feed back on this would be great!!

deckard · 21-07-2003, 1:33 PM

I use a DAVS300 in my second system in the lounge; I'm afraid there's a lot of kit that can show it a clean pair of heels these days - eg RGB output, increased power handling, pro-logic II,SACD etc.
Don't ask me to name any models mind, but on reading the mags there's better to be had - that doesn't necessarily mean you should chuck it out though as it still does a lot of things well.
What irritates you about it's performance?

MarkR · 21-07-2003, 1:49 PM

I dunno, I think it is slightly underpowered, for example if there is a lot of background noise, like people talking, it does not sound that loud and you have to strain to listen. If there is a loud noise in the background, like a car crash, then that is fine it comes out at a relativly good sound level. Plus also I am constanly changing the volume late at night because of those problems stated above. There must be a system which has a good sound balance and maybe more detail in the sound.

deckard · 21-07-2003, 1:50 PM

Yep. a lack of power and clarity are my criticisms. Have you tried adding an active sub? It makes quite a difference.

MarkR · 21-07-2003, 1:59 PM

You will have to educate me now, what is an Active Sub and how does it improve......???

deckard · 21-07-2003, 2:15 PM

An active sub has a built in amplifier. Active subs are far and away superior to the vast majority of passive subs (the likes of some SVS models excepted). They handle greater volume and tend to go deeper than passive subs, such as that bundled together with the Sony.
If you want to improve the sound of the Sony rather than starting from scratch I'd suggest adding an active sub such as Velodyne's VX10 (look in the power buy forum ~£199 IIRC), this is connected to the subwoofer out phono terminal on the back of the Sony and the Sony's own supplied sub is no longer used.
Hope that helps.

deckard · 21-07-2003, 2:22 PM

Oh, how does it improve things?
Strangely enough, the biggest effect I noted was on the midrange, voices sounded more natural and not so 'closed in'. The bass performance obviously improved, with greater depth and less boom. Treble also improved, difficult to believe, but true!

MarkR · 21-07-2003, 2:52 PM

So if I got one would there be a need to upgrade???
Oh, by the way where did you buy your one from and if so how much?

deckard · 21-07-2003, 3:05 PM

Well, I'd say it would certainly put an upgrade off for quite a while. I actually bought a Velodyne CHT-15 off Uncle Eric (£684) for my main system (the Sony is a secondary set-up) and moved the old Yamaha I had down there to the Sony. Uncle Eric is an authorised Velodyne dealer in case you were unaware.

Have a look in the power buy forums for the lowdown on the Velo VX-10 or take to the high street and see if a nice dealer will loan a sub for a home demo.

I would add that the Velo is the cheapest I would go for as a 'quality' active sub; there are cheaper subs out there (eg my old Yamaha) but as the saying goes 'buy cheap, buy twice'.

Also do a search on the forum for the full lowdown on active subwoofers.

MarkR · 21-07-2003, 3:12 PM

OK Deckard I will most certainly research into this.
Thanks for your help!!!

deckard · 21-07-2003, 3:22 PM

No prob m8!