need AV system from scratch 4 £2k

[nav]

Got £2k limit to buy full AV suite (TV, DVD, Amp, Speakers). Want music as well as home cinema, so CD performance important. Would like advice on two options:

a) JVC 32" Nicam TV ~£700 + Good set of separates (KEF 2005, Marantz 4200 receiver, Marantz 4100 DVD)

b) 36" Nicam TV (Panasonic TX36PL30?) ~1500 + All in one system (Sony DAVS500)

Upgrading is an issue either way - Temptation is for bigger TV, since it’s easier to re-locate an all-in-one than a big TV!
>> Does anyone have an idea about just how much performance am I sacrificing by going for an all-in-one versus separates?
>> Alternatively can I get separates with same/better bangs per buck, compared to the Sony DAVS500?
>> Any opinions on the TX36PL30?

Cheers
Nav

[Neon]

Look at the Yamaha VS-10 plus, say, Tosh 210 to go with the 36" Panasonic. The VS-10 does seem to be getting a lot of good press and the 210 is an excellent player.

Don't forget to budget for interconnects too.

[CLH]

Hmm, I like option a)

The Kef's are absolutely superb and if you scan the threads you'll see links for about £620 or less. The Marantz stuff is very highly rated and award winning.

You should get some really cheap interconnects from the site that I can't remember. MikeK will help you out if he looks in.

IMO the separates route is best if you get itchy feet more often. However, the TV is the main thing and I guess it's arguable that you should start with the best.

[Alanok]

Funnily enough Neon I have that exact combo of Toshiba 210e and Yamaha VS-10 amp and speakers. Very impressed with both and do the job for now until I get some dosh together to buy seperates. Look in the AV pic sticky thread at the top, last pic posted to see what my setup look's like. Looks great, very discrete, Dolby Digital and DTS, plenty of power, active sub, programmable remote, two optical connections. The Toshiba handles CD music very well although has limitations like all DVD players. You might to try the Pioneer 444 as they have a reputation for having good musical sound. You should be able to get the Yamaha VS-10 and either the Tosh or Pioneer for £500 delivered. Check out

In all honesty though if you can fore go the convenience of an all in one system then I would go for seperates. You should be able to get a decent enough package for the money you want to splash out.leconcepts (www.leconcepts.com) for the Yammy (£310 delivered), Tosh (about £170-190) and Pioneer (same as Tosh) and upgradeheaven (www.homecinemaheaven.co.uk) for the Pioneer froum price in the Bargain Forum.

[nav]

Thanks to all for advice. Will check out the yammy and the alternative DVD players. Very tempted by £620 KEFs .. though I guess the amp is where I should look at first?!

Nav

[Alanok]

nav regarding your questions about the Panasonic 32PL10C 100hz TV. I agree to a degree with the review you linked to. Yes it is a major bummer that it only has two scart sockets and only one being RGB compatible. But that can be easily solved with a splitter. Not something you should have to do but cheap to do fortunately. They describe the TV as bland looking but I really like the look of it. Especially when it's on it's stand.

Picture wise I would say it was comparable to the pic on my Mum's Sony KV32FX65. I have to admit to not really noticing the faults that they highlight. I do notice smearing when I have things like the AI or Anti-Flicker devices on but switch them off and the pic is brilliant. Colours are really deep and rich and the pic is rock steady due to the 100hz. The only time it lets itself down is sports like football when it does smear and ghost abit when the camera pans quickly. But I believe alot of 100hz TV's do this. I have noticed some bowing in the top of the pic especially when playing a 2.35:1 dvd. But I am hoping this can be easily rectified by accessing the service menu.

At a retail price of £1100 I guess there is an argument against it. But at the price of £860 delivered with stand from empiredirect (www.empiredirect.co.uk) it is an absolute bargain.

If you need any more questions answered on the Panasonic TV, Yamaha VS10 or Tosh 210e then ask away.

[Neon]

If the telly wasn't to be included then I'd have said separates. Mmmm, £2k for a sound system. I've got separates (RXV-620RDS, M74's, M7C1, M7DS's) and the only thing I don't like about my setup is the size of the TV (28" 4:3). If I had to start all over again, I'd go for the largest WS telly I could afford, even if that meant starting with an all-in-one - and the VS-10 is not much of a compromise in a small room. In a year or two, you could move the VS-10 into the bedroom and buy a separates system for downstairs.