Replacing 2 amps with one????

[ratso-rizzo]

Hi folks,

Currently I have separate AV and audio systems in different rooms in the house. The amp in the AV system is a Sony STR-DB420 driving Wharfedale fronts (floorstanders but I can't remember the model name), Mission 760iSE's at the back, a Wharfedale centre and JBL sub.

The audio amp is a Cyrus III & PSX-R driving Kef Coda 3 speakers.

I'm hopefully going to be moving to the States later this year. I will probably be living in a somewhat smaller house for a while so I want to merge the two systems into one ie. have a combined AV/audio system driving the Kef speakers at the front and the Missions at the rear.

So - my dilemma is I need an AV amp which is going to give good 5.1 and above average 2 channel performance for around the £400 mark.

Any suggestions other than a second hand Cyrus AV5? I know there is a difference in voltage but I have sourced step up transformers to use with any components which are not 110V compatible.

Cheers,

Ratso

 

[Nobber22]

Originally posted by ratso-rizzo
I need an AV amp which is going to give good 5.1 and above average 2 channel performance for around the £400 mark.

Doesn't exist yet IMO, unless you can find an Arcam AVR200 second-hand, and even then the stereo sound won't be as good as the Cyrus. Perhaps a 5 year old top of the range Denon receiver?

Rather get a good new £400 AV amp with pre-outs and run it together with the Cyrus. Dump the Wharfedale speakers and use the Kefs up front, running off the Cyrus.

However I can't see why you are buying new kit JUST BEFORE you get to the States? Wait until you get there, their prices are better and you'll have no voltage issues either.

 

[MarkE19]

I know there is a difference in voltage but I have sourced step up transformers to use with any components which are not 110V compatible.

I'd check the specs of the transformer carefully as an amp will draw a lot of current and it may be too much for the transformer.

Mark.

 

[ratso-rizzo]

I've sourced a range of tranformers that can cope with up to 2kW so I should find one that can cope OK. They're not particularly expensive anyway.

I've had a look around some of the electrical retailers in the US and wasn't particularly impressed by what was on offer. Plenty of bells and whistles but sound quality appeared to be of secondary importance.

Having said that, an AV specialist (as opposed to a Dixons type chain) would probably have something that would be closer to my needs.

Cheers,

Ratso