Old*"Hi End" Vs. New "Low End"

[Dartas]

Hi guys,

Being a bit more into hifi stuff latelly, and now seeking to update all my system, would like to know your opinion on this..

Would an old "high end" av amp like the arcam avr350 or a primare spa21 (bouth suposed to be very good in stereo also) be better in sonic performances than a recently low end stereo like marantz pm6004?

Asking that because i would like to change my pm6004 to an av receiver, not losing in stereo performance, and not having to sell my car for it either

I will actually use it for 65% stereo, and 35% for sky box + films...

Any opinion will be higly appreciated.
Thanks

[Audio Al]

My opinion would be to buy the older kit , have it serviced caps replaced etc

Older hi fi equipment was built to a standard not a price
recent equipment ( excluding some brands ) is made to a price not a standard

[The Outcast]

I would have to agree.

My opinion would be to buy the older kit , have it serviced caps replaced etc

Older hi fi equipment was built to a standard not a price
recent equipment ( excluding some brands ) is made to a price not a standard

[DSJR]

The best of past years' AV models from Denon, Yamaha and Rotel (especially this latter) should still be really good I think, even if they lack the ultimate bells and whistles.

[Macca]

Which is better will entirely depend on the loudspeakers and the amplifiers ability to drive them. Old or new has no bearing on the matter.

[istari_knight]

Rotel RSX-10**, Sony STR-VA555ES / STR-VA777ES & Denon AVC-A1SE are all good with stereo and the last two may even be an upgrade from your Marantz.

Personally I don't like Arcam's AV amps, pretty crummy IME until you get to the £££ one's... Nice DVD players though ! I've not tried the Primare but after owning their A20/D20 I would advise trying to listen before buying as they were very much style over substance.

[The Grand Wazoo]

You asked for opinions so please don't take this the wrong way, but why not ask yourself if you really need an AV amp?
What's wrong with good old stereo for your TV and film viewing?
I think that, given your 65% figure for stereo use, I'm surprised that you'd be happy to compromise the quality of sound you get there in favour of soundtrack.
Just a thought.

[Dartas]

My opinion would be to buy the older kit , have it serviced caps replaced etc

Can you please extend?? Caps replaced are parts of the amp, is that it?

[Dartas]

You asked for opinions so please don't take this the wrong way, but why not ask yourself if you really need an AV amp?
What's wrong with good old stereo for your TV and film viewing?
I think that, given your 65% figure for stereo use, I'm surprised that you'd be happy to compromise the quality of sound you get there in favour of soundtrack.
Just a thought.

Well, that's my biguest doubth, because i already had an av receiver and sold it to by a stereo one as i was not satisfied on his stereo performance, but now i think that it could be because it was just a low quality one.. It was actually good for movies, but not that good with music 2ch..
But i also miss the insigth i used to have on movies, and that's what makes me think on going back to av

[istari_knight]

Have you considered a Yamaha DSP-E800 ? If you can live with just having vanilla Dolby Digital 5.1 it will give you the best of both worlds & can be picked up for lunch money.