"sploo" wrote in message
...
Apologies if this appears twice, I posted it previously but it didn't
show up

Hi all,

On the advice of people in numerous audio newsgroups (many thanks) I've
recently built a set of speakers for movies and music. They're all designs
from Wilmslow Audio, listed below:

Front: Nemesis. Treble: Scan-speak D2905/950000, Bass: Scan-speak 21w/8554
(8")
Cent Gemini. Treble: Morel MDT32s, Bass: 2 x Morel MW144
Surround: Midas Monitor. Treble: Vifa XT25TG-30-04, Bass: Seas Excel
W11CY001

I have been looking for an amp suitable for movie viewing, but consider
stereo music as a higher priority.


OK Sploo, no-one else has answered so I'll try:



I was originally considering a pairing such as Denon's AVR-2805, with a
Denon DVD-2910 player (for CD and DVD-A playback only - as I have an
alternative video source).


Immediate reaction - I never saw the name Denon on anything in the least bit
crappy...



Because of my preference for music reproduction, many people have
recommended that I look at Arcam amps. Unfortunately, they're not cheap.


No, they're not, but if you can afford them you should *audition* one, or
you will *never know*.... ;-)


I was therefore thinking of instead combining the Arcam AVR300 with a
budget CD player (such as the Cambridge Audio Azur 640C), and connecting
its digital output to the AVR300 - accepting that I will not have DVD-A
playback.


Budget 'CDPs' with digital out cost £29 from supermarkets these days -
(DVDPs) and even possibly with DVD-A if you are lucky (I don't know)...



Would I be right in assuming that the quality of sound from a CD unit is
greatly dependant on the DAC,


Yes.


and therefore wouldn't be important as, with a digital connection, I'd be
using the DAC on the AVR300?


I think so - if I'm wrong someone'll damn soon be along to say!!


Arcam also have a model that's a little more expensive than the Cambridge
Audio 640C, the DiVA CD73T. Anyone got/used this player, and have any
thoughts?


No idea myself....


Would a dedicated CD player be generally better for CDs than the Denon
DVD-2910, or doesn't it make much difference in this price bracket?


Don't know, but see the other thread on DVDP vs. CDP for an idea on current
thinking. Generally, I think you'll find DVDPs well up to the task of
playing CDs. (I think so anyway...) A DVDP will also have the advantage of
playing formats other than CD - CD-MP3s for instance and some of the will
even read and play from cards, I gather....


Arcam claim that, even with a 5.1 setup, you can use the two remaining
channels to bi-amp the front speakers. My fronts have suitable crossovers,
so would it be a great improvement over bi-wiring?.


In my experience, bi-amping *does* make a difference (not necessarily an
improvement), bi-wiring never does (that I've been able to tell). Quite
whether or not it would in a 5.1 setup, I've no idea....



Does anyone have the AVR300, and would like to give me any thoughts as to
sound/build quality and general use?

Apologies for such a long-winded email, but this would be a significant
outlay for me, so I want to make the right selection.


Of course and auditioning the kit is absolutely *essential* if you can't
afford to make a mistake. A home trial (without obligation) is even better.
No idea where you are but there *will* be a dealer prepared to do this (ie
hungry enough) somewhere nearby. They may well want to swipe your card
first - make sure there's no problem with return and refund.


Many thanks,


I hope it helps.