Ok I break rule number 1, asking for an amp for my housemate (Absolute videophile)..... but he entrusted me with finding him something NICE :tongue: So here goes.
I told him there are 3 price points:
1) R4k-R8k for something worthwhile but not all bell and whistles, older models, some with latest HDMI
2) R8k-R15k for NEW models and latest HDMI
3) R15k-R30k for FULL spec amps - something that might even last 10 years like my Yamaha Z9
4) >R30K AV Monsters
He decided that groups 2&3 is what he is looking at. Now I know a new amp might hit R30k BUT a demo model or 1 year old model MONSTER might come in under R30k. I AM a 2nd hand nut, BUT on AV a good guarantee is sometimes worth MORE than the discount!
I have spent the week with him browsing and at this moment (every year is different) the winners are:
Yamaha 3010 and related, Onkyo (5009, 5010, 3010, 3009, 809, 818), Integra and Pioneer (LX55, LX85) and Denon (but their big models are bit pricey) :thinking:
Rotel is very pricey, but I dont know if they are up to date ? Anthem too...
Sony, Marantz, HK, NAD somehow lags little behind but also very good.
Separates are cool, but way too expensive....
HELP :Ooooooh:
Any suggestions or offers, dealer or private please ?
After this exercise.... probably front speakers
but there Im ok....
I told him there are 3 price points:
1) R4k-R8k for something worthwhile but not all bell and whistles, older models, some with latest HDMI
2) R8k-R15k for NEW models and latest HDMI
3) R15k-R30k for FULL spec amps - something that might even last 10 years like my Yamaha Z9
4) >R30K AV Monsters
He decided that groups 2&3 is what he is looking at. Now I know a new amp might hit R30k BUT a demo model or 1 year old model MONSTER might come in under R30k. I AM a 2nd hand nut, BUT on AV a good guarantee is sometimes worth MORE than the discount!
I have spent the week with him browsing and at this moment (every year is different) the winners are:
Yamaha 3010 and related, Onkyo (5009, 5010, 3010, 3009, 809, 818), Integra and Pioneer (LX55, LX85) and Denon (but their big models are bit pricey) :thinking:
Rotel is very pricey, but I dont know if they are up to date ? Anthem too...
Sony, Marantz, HK, NAD somehow lags little behind but also very good.
Separates are cool, but way too expensive....
HELP :Ooooooh:
Any suggestions or offers, dealer or private please ?
After this exercise.... probably front speakers
but there Im ok....
