Looking for a slim surround receiver & speakers....any ideas?

[Emanef]

I'm looking to get a surround amp (with DD, DTS & preferably DPL2) and speakers. I'm a little restricted for space in my TV cabinet; I can get a normal sized receiver in there (ie a bloody tall one!), but would have to take out my video (also got a Toshiba SD210 & ITV dig box in there).

I'd rather, if possible get a slim receiver. However, the only two I've seen are the Pioneer VCX300 - I do like the look of this and it's perfectly sized, but it's only 30w output, which I think may be a little low. The other is the Sony HTSL7 ( http://www.empiredirect.co.uk/productdetailsnew.asp?modelcode=SON-HTSL7 ), which consists of a nice looking slim line amp and some dull looking speakers. The amp has an output of 80w per channel, but I can't find out if that's RMS or PMPO, and I have no idea of the speaker rating, other than the sub is 50w. I can't find out if you can buy this amp seperately either.....

Does anyone know of another receiver of a similar size to these?

The speakers I am looking to get are the Tannoy MX3/R/C - I know they may not be the best, but my wife wants them to match the furniture, and they're the only speakers I've been able to find in oak! Does anyone know of an alternative? I've only seen the Tannoy's in a picture - are they made of actual wood, or is it like a veneer finish (ie, do they look like cheap furniture in Argos.....?!)

If the only seperate option is the Pioneer VCX300, would that be powerful enough to drive the Tannoy speakers? (the Pioneer site says the speakers are 6oHm - most others are 4 or 8....what's that about?)

Sorry, I know it's a load of questions in one go, but it pretty much covers everything.....!

Thanks.

[Emanef]

No one......?

:confused:

[kcxdev]

mention of the pioneer here (http://thedvdforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=55807) and forthcoming models from Panny and Yamaha.

[Emanef]

Thanks.

Don't suppose you know of any links that have info do you? I've checked both those manufacturers UK sites, but nothing there.....

[Justin]

Originally posted by Emanef
Thanks.

Don't suppose you know of any links that have info do you? I've checked both those manufacturers UK sites, but nothing there.....

You won`t find any info on them, as they are not yet available - Panasonic for example launch their range to the trade in march, but they won`t ship till end of May. Same applies to Yamaha. So your choice is really whats about currently, and the Pioneer is probably the better choice if you really must go for a slimline package... if you can though audition them first.

[Emanef]

OK, thanks.

Will the Pioneer be sufficient to power a pair of Tanny MX3's, two MXr's and a central speaker, or would you not recommend it?

A standard sized amp is not out of the equation, it's just not my preferred option, but I may have to go down that route.....

[Justin]

Originally posted by Emanef
OK, thanks.

Will the Pioneer be sufficient to power a pair of Tanny MX3's, two MXr's and a central speaker, or would you not recommend it?

A standard sized amp is not out of the equation, it's just not my preferred option, but I may have to go down that route.....

Should be, Tannoys are ok to drive, even with a smallish wattage amp i.e 30wpc.

[Emanef]

OK, many thanks for the advice.

Sorry, forgot to also ask again.....I've only seen the Tannoy's in a picture - are they made of actual wood (the Dark Oak ones), or is it like a veneer finish (ie, do they look like cheap furniture in Argos.....?!) Do you know of any alternative speakers that you can get in oak, as my wife wants them to match the furniture.....!

:nuts:

Thanks again....