Keith G wrote:

"Rob" wrote in message
om...
Keith G wrote:


Ever since then I have never let the 'brand' influence me from the
POV of quality and reliability and, it dawns on me, is probably one
of the contributing factors to making me want to explore cheap stuff
like the Chinese amps a while back. And, as nothing is what it
appears to be any more, it makes more sense than ever nowadays!


I am more fickle/conservative than you - I do like my brands, but not
labels. Having said this, about a year ago I came by/ended up buying a
newish Mini - worst of both worlds: bling made of cheese :-)


That don't sound too good....


Ah, it's a hoot really. Just come back from a blast round the Dales, and
it's great fun to drive. Looking at the warranty repairs it had before I
got it I wouldn't describe it as 'well engineered' though . . .

OTOH, while out I picked up a Technics SL-120. Now that *is* well bolted
together.

Relying only on *brand reputation* (because I already have one), I
bought a little Denon amp the other day. I haven't really had the chance
to use it properly yet but I'm sure I'll like it - tho' it seems the
magazines didn't:

http://www.whathifi.com/Review/Denon-PMA-500AE/

:-0


I almost bought one of those - I'm sure reviews elsewhere are OK?

If I had to comment, I'd say the sound was a bit
'sharp/brittle-sounding' and I'm hoping it it will settle down. Here's a
swift clip of a good example of what *doesn't* sound too peachy on it atm:

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/Milladoiroextract.mp3

....the 'Penelope Cruz' quality of the voice is almost entirely absent
compared with what I normally get on that system.


Link doesn't work?



And I did try a Chinese EL34 amp - bought new for about £200. Had an
incurable hum that didn't bother me overly - it was the quite
staggering heat the thing chucked out that had me worried, and it's
been ebayed (for a small return) now.


Oh yes! The Denon is to replace the valve amp I've been using since the
little Pioneer went iffy, but valves *and* a projector (fan heater) in a
small room with the door and windows shut for the sound is just a bit
too much, now that the weather is starting to warm up!!

Yesterday, even more brand loyalty reared its head when I upgraded the
AV amp on the main cinema setup - we've had a superb little Sony on the
go for probably 7 or 8 years now and its done a fine job and never
missed a beat. Anyway, I've upgraded to another (HDMI) Sony AV amp and,
frankly, I am staggered at what you get for your money these days!

Some pix here if anyone cares:

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/SonyFront.jpg

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/SonyFrontFlash.jpg

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/SonyRear.jpg

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/SonyRearFlash.jpg

Look at the *connectivity* on the back, if nothing else - loopy VFM...!!
:-)


They are fantastic value. I had a Cambridge (something or other) and
while (I know etc) all SS amps are supposed to sound the same, I really
do think some of that brittleness was tamed. I've got 3 HDMI sources
ATM, so may go back to an AV amp.

While I'm on the subject, check the *size* of the main 'Full HD 1080p'
cinema setup now:

http://www.moirac.adsl24.co.uk/Chicago2035.JPG

(I'm huddled in front of the screen, sitting on the floor to give you an
idea! :-)


Keith, that is just bonkers :-)

I'm sure I remember seeing your first gen projector - best picture I've
seen outside a cinema. Dread to think what that little lot's like :-)

I was recently, ahem, forced into buying a new 37" LCD (Panasonic
something expensive). Very impressive I must say, but I'm not sure I get
any more out of it than the cheap 32" it's replaced. At least the sound
it half decent.

Rob