Swapping Denon AVC A11SR for Pioneer AX5i?

[d.waters]

My current system includes a Pioneer DV757Ai, MK Speakers (3 x K7, 4 x K4 and 2 x VX-100 subs) and a Denon AVC A11SR. I have a desire to swap the Denon Amp for a Pioneer AX5i so that I can make use of the i-link. I assume I would be able to sell the Denon, to offset the cost, but does anyone think that this is a sensible move (or otherwise).

I like the sound that this system makes, it is purely a desire to use the i-link and the fact that I like Pioneer kit. I have a VSX-D811, which replaced a Denon 1802 (or 1803, I can't remember) in my bedroom system, which I found to be a terrific improvement. However, I am worried that the A11SR and AX5i are not like for like and I wouldn't want to down grade. I'm not interested in the AX10, it is too expensive and too large for where it needs to fit.

Any help gratefully received.

Dave

 

[Ettepet]

From your words your concerns are the way the Pioneer sounds, right? Being the proud owner of an AX10, and reading many positive accounts about the AX5i I would definitely suggest to go somewhere to compare the two.

What I can say about my AX10 is that it doesn't try to hide higher artifacts in sound (like lisps), as you might have gotten to like on your Denon. I cannot speak for the AX5i, but my amp isn't in anyway bright, just clear.

 

[Smurfin]

Dave the A11SR is an excellent amp; I doubt very much if the AX5 will be an upgrade, but the Pioneer and Denon sounds are "different" - they both have their own flavour.

Best thing to do is go and have a listen, side-by-side if you can - personally I'd be gutted if I ended up having an inferior system without meaning to downgrade..

 

[Andywilliams]

Hi Dave
I would think that changing the denon for the pioneer will give you problems with the highs(treble) m&ks are known for sounding on the brighter side and as ettepet says the pioneer isnt kind to brighter sounding speakers stick with the denon.
Cheers Gonzo.

 

[gandley]

Id keep the denon. i prefer the AX10i over the denon, but the A11SR has the AX5 beat for sound quality, the AX5 lacks the clarity of its big brother.

It realy would be a backward step for you, even more so if you like your volume levels up

if your buying just for I-link I think youll be a bit disapointed.
unless you have a stack of dvd-audio disks and SACD`s then there is no real benefit in changing.

for regular CD and film Sound tracks the difference is minimal
(and thats with the AX10i)

 

[d.waters]

Thanks for the replies - I was worried that my plan was a backward step, which seems to also be the opinion of others. I was also worried about how my speakers would function (though I didn't mention it in the original post) as I had seen comments in the past not recommending M&Ks with the Pioneer amps, due to their low impedence.