2 channel amps/options

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CutCutCut

1039 posts

Uber Geek

#108429 29-Aug-2012 12:29

I'm helping some family members with their next audio purchase. They have an old Denon micro system hooked up to some in wall speakers. The little Denon has finally kicked the bucket, and I'm looking at what the best option is to replace it with. I've found a couple of 2 channel amps online today, but all seem to be $2000 plus so far. They basically will need a CD player/tuner and an amp to power the speakers, but also with enough inputs to add perhaps an ipod/ipad dock and the TV in the future.
I guess the alternative to getting a tuner/2 channel amp/CD player would be to get another micro type "all in one" system. The audio quality with their current Denon was pefectly ok for them. Or the other option would be to get a 5.1 channel amp (with tuner) and add a CD player. Space is another issue as their is limited room where this will have to fit. I'll have to do some solid measurements before going to far.
Options/opinions welcome.

RunningMan

8953 posts

Uber Geek

#678696 29-Aug-2012 12:47

What about this sort of thing?

I'm sure other brands do similar products, but I got a Philips one a few years ago as a secondary stereo / DVD player - not the flashest thing in the world, but pretty good for the price.

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#678996 29-Aug-2012 21:58

Going from Denon to Philips is going to be a major downgrade sonically / quality wise.
Take a look at the old DM38 or the new Denon DM39... micro system, just over 1k. Then new DM39 comes with an optical port in the back as well as a set of RCA's, so that should tick the boxes. The DM38 and its previous versions have rated extremely well in the What Hifi mag, so it's a fairly safe bet.
It's not on the market yet, but there's a host of other micro systems of a similar ilk around from the likes of Yamaha (BluRay with ARC) that could be a go'er?

The 2 channel offerings should kick the butt out of an AVR setup too... almost every time a coconut.

CutCutCut

1039 posts

Uber Geek

#681014 3-Sep-2012 20:02

Dunnersfella: Going from Denon to Philips is going to be a major downgrade sonically / quality wise.
Take a look at the old DM38 or the new Denon DM39... micro system, just over 1k. Then new DM39 comes with an optical port in the back as well as a set of RCA's, so that should tick the boxes. The DM38 and its previous versions have rated extremely well in the What Hifi mag, so it's a fairly safe bet.
It's not on the market yet, but there's a host of other micro systems of a similar ilk around from the likes of Yamaha (BluRay with ARC) that could be a go'er?

The 2 channel offerings should kick the butt out of an AVR setup too... almost every time a coconut.

Yeah I think they'd be happier with Denon gear. Any ideas when the DM39 is likely to hit our shores? It sounds like it would be a good fit for their requirements. I can't see any NZ info.

Is there a Yamaha micro system with built in blu ray? Is this the model? It's hard finding all the specs for some of these brands/models in NZ.

A optical/coax in could be good, doesn't look like many micro systems have them.

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#681070 3-Sep-2012 22:52

Yep - that's the Yamaha. But as always with ARC, make sure it works well with the TV in question before taking the plunge.
And nope, no idea re: the DM39, but an optical in would be my preference too... no BluRay though.

stevenz

2802 posts

Uber Geek

#681163 4-Sep-2012 09:11

Get a little Rotel or NAD unit. Good quality stereo receiver units.

@KnightNZ

CutCutCut

1039 posts

Uber Geek

#681169 4-Sep-2012 09:25

They have an ipod, itunes and an ipad and I was thinking about suggesting a squeezebox for them. Apple sirplay may be a a better solution. I've never used either so I have no clue really, and I'm not have no apple products so can't really test it. This Dennon micro system has airplay bulit in, looks like via a firmware upgrade. I'm thinking it might be a simpler solution than squeezebox plus they have an digital in too on that system. Doesn't seem to be many micro systems with airplay built in.

Edit: fixed link.

stevenz

2802 posts

Uber Geek

#681172 4-Sep-2012 09:28

Probably due to the licensing costs to support the protocol.

@KnightNZ

Equinox IT

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Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#681176 4-Sep-2012 09:37

The DN7 is the step above the unit I mentioned - you could attach an Airport Express via RCA to the DM38... but the DN7 would still offer interweb radio and DLNA support... which is cool.
The unit will take longer to turn on in the morning, so best leave it on I guess, apart from that, it's a good product for little $'s.

LookingUp

411 posts

Ultimate Geek

#681192 4-Sep-2012 10:00

stevenz: Get a little Rotel or NAD unit. Good quality stereo receiver units.

+1 It's an investment worth making.

Things are LookingUp.... A photo from my back yard :-)

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#681390 4-Sep-2012 16:42

Do the Rotel and NAD units have optical inputs? If so, linkee linkee?