Audio Advice Needed (title edited from Yamaha)

[craigb]

My 21st is coming up reasonably soon and I was thinking of getting new stereo system to brighten up my room, but I am not really sure where to start.

I have a Yamaha DSP A5 amp so I was looking at the Yamaha units at homecinemaheaven however I was wondering what experiences people have had with Yamaha cd units, amps, etc.

Thanks for any info.

[Neon]

As far as AV kit is concerned, Yamaha and Denon seem to be perpetually raising the ante with each other. Four months ago Yamaha had the edge, now it's Denon. Next month ...

If you want a stereo amp, Yamaha don't seem to have a name - look at Marantz and Denon.

[Alanok]

Arcam or Marantz are my stereo manufacturers of choice.

[Cable Monkey]

As a matter of intrest, when did Yamaha have the edge over Denon?

[Radiohead]

Originally posted by Cable Monkey
As a matter of intrest, when did Yamaha have the edge over Denon?


for amps under £500, most of the time....

[Cable Monkey]

Point taken. It does however justify my reason for asking. Apart from the very top end of Yamahas AV range, Denon and Yamaha have never really competed for the same sector of the market.

There are no real problems with Yamaha's stereo kit. It will be reasonably well constructed and reliable, but there is other stereo gear out there that will be relatively inexpensive and sound far better. In addition to the already mentioned Marantz, look at companies like Nad and Rotel. It doesn't hurt to shop around and look at alternatives.

[craigb]

Ok, I am going to broaden my options with regard to make. Can anyone recommend a good multi cd player (3+ cds) for ~£150-200?

Also looking for stereo amp, speaker and tuner recommendations.

[nwgarratt]

Also looking for stereo amp, speaker and tuner recommendations.

For speakers I think B&W are excellent. I have 602 and 601 speakers. The 601 are about £200 and 602 are £300.

They are good for both AV as well as music.

I have a technics digital tuner and it is also very good although the price at the moment it about £400 - £500. I don't listen to FM anymore.

For CD players and stereo amps I like Marantz. Nad are also good but prefer Marantz.

Just a thought, have you thought of valve amps? I have heard them and they are quite impressive.

[Bapapapa]

Most multi-changer CD players are gash, stick with a single CD player!!

For £150 the Sony CDP930 is a pucking good choice. :D

[Alanok]

Originally posted by Bapapapa
Most multi-changer CD players are gash, stick with a single CD player!!

For £150 the Sony CDP930 is a pucking good choice. :D

Stay away from cd multi changers...just stop being lazy and change the fricking cd. Also if you are in the market for a tuner the new cheap (£130) Sony ones are a bargain and look pretty.

Floorstanding Tannoys are good value for money. I have the M3 versions but they have been superseded by a newer model. Kef Q35 I think are also rather good and relatively cheap. If you can stretch to it get a pair of Dynaudio's, fapping amazing sound.

CD and amp wise I would go with Marantz or Arcam.

Also your going to need to budget for interconnects and speaker cable.

[craigb]

Thanks for the all the added advice - I think I have been persuaded off the muti cd changer, which opens up a bigger market of CD players. I think I might go round a few hi fi shops and try and demo a few players.

Do you think it would be worth trying to get an integrated cd and minidisc player or go for separates?