Help lookng for advice starter surround set

Posted by: djfield on 03 November 2005

Hi,

I hope you guys can help me with some advice about surround sound processors/receivers. I've just bought myself a projector and I've pretty much blown all my spare cash on this and haven't left myself any real money to buy a surround system. Currently I'm getting sound by using my TV which has 5.1 built in and turning down the brightness and contrast (dont laugh ...)

So I've decided to look for a cheap starter AV amp that will match my system (or at least not screw it up) and get me started on the AV ladder so I can watch my films without having to have the TV on too.

I currently have:

Naim Nait 3R AMP
Naim CD3 Player
Ruark Talisman II Speakers

I want to buy an AV amp to provide surround for movies only and I'll leave my CD player connected up directly to the AMP for music.

I'm looking to spend less than £150 second hand for the AMP and less than £50 second hand for a centre speaker. I'll upgrade later when funds permit.

I've gone back through previous posts on the forum and over time it appears the Yamaha DSP-E800 is recommended and so is the DSP-A5. Is this still the case or are there other receivers out there around this price mark that will allow me to continue to use my Nait and Ruarks as fronts ?

I'm a newbie so please excuse if I'm asking an silly question I just want to ask some people with experience what they'd recommend.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Kind Regards

Dave
Posted on: 04 November 2005 by SimonJ
An YAMAHA DSP E800 @ around £100 on ebay would be perfect, the DSP E800 has only 3 amps so is perfect for center and rear duties. The A5 is a bit higher up the range, is probably bigger physically and is a full AV amp with 5 channels. If you get the cheaper E800 you may be able to get some rear speakers too.
Posted on: 07 November 2005 by djfield
Thanks for the reply.

Good to hear another recommendation for the E800, I think thats going to be a winner then. I shall keep my eye's open for a good deal. Thanks for the advice. Mind you, nearly got a really good deal on an A5 last night but was pipped at the post. Mind you I think you're right E800 is probably the better bet.

Has anyone got any suggestions for a centre speaker to match the Talisman's ?

Cheers again

Dave