Will it be the Loewe Aventos 3981ZW??

OK folks should I go for the Loewe Aventos 3981ZW??

Thanks to the contributors to my previous post when I was considering the Sony KV32FX68 but my knowledge now seems to have 'matured' hence the Loewe.

OK I know it's the best part of £250-300 more than the FX68 but all things considered, based largely on the info on the forum, Loewe's seem to have better build, geometry, QA etc. And the Aventos is available in Black - yes I know it's a bit 'retro', old fashioned, call it what you like but the rest of my gear is mainly black.

As per my earlier post, I do want to run the audio through my amp without the internal TV speakers - I'm assuming this will be OK on the Aventos.

Luckily for me living in the Manchester area, I can actually bob into TV & Video Direct's showroom in Bolton and am planning to do so this weekend. I've checked and they do have one on display (they are pretty obliging over the 'phone) - can't wait to see it in action and to compare with the competition

I'll report back on my trip to TV & Video Direct after I've been.

I'd welcome any feedback from Aventos owners, and also any tips for set-by-set comparisons or what to look out for. I am a bit of a novice when it comes to widescreen.

Thanks a million.

[cuk0724]

I was in the same position as you 2 months ago. It was going to be the Sony, but after finding this forum, and reading many of the posts I went for the Loewe Aventos in black. And am I glad i did. Picture fantastic and even for a fussy git like me the geometry is fine. I run my audio through my amp and have no problems. You can even set the set up so that the volume button adjust the output level to the amp.

[mij]

My Aventos replaced 2 Sony's (FQ75 & DX100) 1 Philips PW9527 Pixel Plus, and is easily the best 32 inch TV I have ever seen.

The only thing I adjusted was the colour, Brightness, Contrast & Sharpness, they are all too high at the default settings like most manufacturers.
I used the THX setup guide on the Terminator 2 DVD, many other DVD's have this and it is well worth doing.

mij

[ste1010]

my Sony goes back tomorrow. I will be ordering an Aventos as soon as I get my refund

cheers

ste

Thanks for the responses and helpful info - it certainly helps boost the confidence in decision making.

Quick update from my original post.

Visited TV&Video Direct over the weekend and did indeed see the Aventos in action. Happy with it - look feel etc - so placed order there and then.

I'm sure this is all in the mind - but generally the Loewe's did seem to have better pictures than the other brands.

My graphite specimen should arrive today.

More to follow later.

[ste1010]

Ordered my Aventos yesterday from TV&Videodirect.

Sony was picked up today. Its a shame, I liked the look of the Sony, picture was fine just that damm buzzing.

Aventos should arrive on Friday. I must say the guy at TV&Videodirect that I spoke to did give the impression that they place customer satisfaction first.

Ste, when you apply for the extra year of cover with Barclaycard you must stress that the tv already has 2 years cover and you want a third year, otherwise you'll get a policy from them covering 2nd year only. This happened to me even though I mentioned the existing 2 year cover. It's sorted out now but by ensuring they are aware in the first place you can avoid this.

[ste1010]

bluetile

Thanks for the advice.

I am quite looking forward to Friday when it is due to arrive and the buzz free viewing it should bring. I hope I am not disappointed

Regards
Ste

[ste1010]

100mph
Did yours arrive. What are your thoughts?????

Cheers

Ste

Ste,

TV&Video Direct did do the bizz and delivered it yesterday as promised - thanks to them for efficient and prompt service.

The bad news is it's still in the monster sized box it came in - I need to do a bit of work in the corner of the lounge in clearing a suitable sized space for it to live in and I need to do some DIY work on the skirting board behind it. Realized this isn't the kind of set you move around the house willy-nilly so I intend to wire it in once and for all and want to compete the prep for it now.

Also need to get a mate round to help me shift it onto the cab it's gunna live on so it's all delaying the grand unveiling for a few days. Sad but true

I'm sure intending to report back after I've got it plumbed in.

The delivery chap wasn't one of their usual delivery drivers but turned out to be a really helpful and knowledgeable sales guy from their Legh branch - he said I'd picked a storming model and I wouldn't be disappointed.

Instruction manual is straightforward enough - most of the help is online through the set's menu system.

More to follow later.

[ste1010]

100mph

I can concurr with what your delivery guy said.
When my Sony was picked up yesterday by JL (it was a TV installation guy as opposed to a VAN driver) he said that in his opinion and experience Sony are not of the quality they used to be and this was evident in the number of sets he picks up for return/repair. He said he delivers more Pannys than anything else and does not see many returned.

I mentioned that I was getting a Loewe to him and his reply was simply 'now you are talking quality'

I just pray he is right!

Cheers

Ste

Ste,

Yours arrives today - yeah?

Let us know what you think.

100mph

[ste1010]

100mph

yep it arrived. Exactly the time the delivery men said they would.

Built the stand but need to wait for some help to lift it on to the stand. (dont want to drop it by trying on my own)

The stand doesn't look at bad as I expected it to.

Will let you know when I have powered it up

Did you use B'Card to pay. If so remember the extra years warranty

Cheers

Ste

[ste1010]

Well, I have set it up and ..........

It doesn't buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Thats the main thing.

It doesn't look as good as the Sony (imho) but hey you cant have every thing. (unless you can afford an Acconda)

The main things are picture is good, sound OK (I use an AV amp anyway) so I am happy.

Cheers

Ste

[raneeshm]

Hey guys,

I must say that this thread has really been a boost for me. I have been confused since some time as to whether I should go for a 32 inch sony or loewe. But now it's gonna be loewe all the way.

Now come the questions:

1..... Do I have to purchase the stand with it ? Do you know of any place that does it without the stand & would it be cheaper.

2..... The cost on tvandvideodirect is £ 1040 including delivery. Is it cheaper at any other site. I have tried petermartin.co.uk, but there seem to be no prices.

3..... Has anyone seen any cheap ex- display or ex-demo model anywhere.

I guess I am asking for too much, but then you don't spend a thousand quid like that, do you

Rod