AMP & Speaker Advice Wanted !

eddiem74

Hi there,

I have reviewed various other posts, but said I would start my own, for some advice from you experts !

I have an LG 42" Plasma TV (Model: 42PX5D-EB), with a Sky+ box. I've been making do for some time now with an old Sony all-in-one home cinema system (DAV-SA30), and am now looking to get something better to enjoy movies, & music from the TV with. I will also probably pick up a new DVD player in the near future so that is a consideration too.

My living room was wired for surround sound by an electrician, so I will only need new wires for the center speaker and sub I believe.

I am leaning towards the following with a 1000euro budget:

Speakers:

Kef KHT1005 - 300euro (200 euro cheaper than Peats!)
http://www.richersounds.ie/asp/product.asp?ObjectID=938&Mode=0&CategoryID=5&SUB=100&ProductID=489
http://www.peats.com/cgi-bin/test_new/catalog.cgi?view_product=1&id=9614&sid=23&cid=123&scid=4373


AMP:

Pioneer VSX2016 - 600 euro
http://www.richersounds.ie/asp/product.asp?ObjectID=938&Mode=0&CategoryID=3&SUB=24&ProductID=545
http://www.pioneer.eu/eur/products/42/98/405/VSX-2016AV-S/index.html

or

Onkyo TXS-R605BK - 650euro
http://www.peats.com/cgi-bin/test_new/catalog.cgi?view_product=1&id=22356&sid=23&cid=123&scid=5488
http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers/onkyo-tx-sr605s-av/4505-6466_7-32430580.html (Good review on CNET)

Appreciate any feedback, guidance, and help you can provide !

mathias

Got some bad news for ya , the link for richer sounds that you have there is a sterling price , click on the euro symbol and you get €450 , only slightly cheaper than peats.

Now they are an average set of speakers , the real value for that price range is the Mordaunt short premier package , glowing reviews wherever you look , and not much more , money wise , I think they are €479

http://www.richersounds.ie/asp/product.asp?ObjectID=938&Mode=0&CategoryID=5&SUB=100&ProductID=165

As regards the amp , the Onkyo's have the 1.3 HDMI connectors , and a very nice spec , havnt seen any reviews though , but on paper they look good.

eddiem74

Hi Mathias,

Thanks for the feedback, and the catch on Richersounds !

CNET review seems pretty positive for the Onkyo, so was leaning that way.

Cheers,

Eddie

eddiem74

Okay, so here is where I am at now.

Going for the Onkyo 605 Amp. Was in Peats on Saturday and they also seem to agree this was a good choice which included future proofing !

On the speaker front, Peats also agree the Kef were not the greatest, and instead recommended the JBL CS-680 http://www.peats.com/cgi-bin/test_new/catalog.cgi?view_product=1&id=21418&sid=23&cid=123&scid=4373 if some power was needed.

I asked them about Mordaunt Short, however they claimed ignorance, and told me only obtainable from the UK. Obviously don't want to sell me something, they don't stock, which is understandable.

So what do yous' think, Mordaunt Short premiere sill the best/right choice, or ?

Advice welcome.....

Thanks !