Another request for help!

[BigJK156]

I'm hoping to purchase an AV amp and speakers and have already decided on the Boston Acoustics Soundware XS due to their size (as dictated by SWIMBO) and was considering the Sony STR-DH10 amp.

My local Richer Sounds don't have it in stock but could order it in. Two things though;

1 - The sales guy stated that the Sony was nearing end of line

2- I'd be matching a bright amp with bright speakers

His recommendation was that I consider the Onkyo TX-NR 509 but it's another £130 over the Sony and from the limited information I've been able to find it is suggested that Onkyo amps are just as bright sounding as Sony plus I've seen comments posted on these forums that RS tend to push Onkyo anyway.

The 509's 'big brother' the 609 has been well received in any reviews I've read but I'd like to know what you guys would recommend, or indeed, if anyone has matched the BA speakers with either the Sony or Onkyo amps what you think of the setup.

 

[PSM1]

I have heard the XS speakers with the 608 and the sound was certainly not too bright (although the speakers I am sure did not do the reciever justice). I assume it is the Sony 810 you are looking at as this would be more consistent with the level of speakers. Hence I would have no issues pairing the Sony with XS speakers. The 509 is the same level of reciever as the 810 so you will be paying £130 more for no real improvement in sound quality. What a surprise that RS is pushing Onkyo again!!!!
The 810 is near end of line but it is 1.4 HDMI so will have all the functionality you need and certainly no less future proofed than the newer and more expensive 509. I would go with your first idea and get the 810 and XS speakers.

 

[BigJK156]

I have heard the XS speakers with the 608 and the sound was certainly not too bright (although the speakers I am sure did not do the reciever justice). I assume it is the Sony 810 you are looking at as this would be more consistent with the level of speakers. Hence I would have no issues pairing the Sony with XS speakers. The 509 is the same level of reciever as the 810 so you will be paying £130 more for no real improvement in sound quality. What a surprise that RS is pushing Onkyo again!!!!
The 810 is near end of line but it is 1.4 HDMI so will have all the functionality you need and certainly no less future proofed than the newer and more expensive 509. I would go with your first idea and get the 810 and XS speakers.

Oops! Typo! It is the 810

What's the deal with RS pushing Onkyo? The one thing I might like with the Onkyo is the network connectivity but not worth the additional outlay.

Thanks for the reply