Cyrus amp and Mission Speakers

[istari_knight]

A good shout, Sony TA-FB920/930/940 would also be a step up from the I/II IMO.

[raygreen]

I would never have considered a Sony or Denon but having looked at some of the reviews of these they seem to be excellent with a very attractive price point. Which of these would be a better amp, the Sony TA-FB940 or the Denon PMA-350 (or PMA-355UK - what is the difference???).

[YNWaN]

Not wishing to disillusion anybody, but I've used the Cyrus I and II amps and in my opinion I'd sooner save money and get a Denon PMA-250SE or PMA-255 or even better a PMA-350SE. The Denons are available for less money, are well made, sound better (in my opinion) and have enough power to drive a decent speaker. They aren't speaker fussy either.

I've had a couple of PMA-350SE amps and each time I get my hands on one, I'm always amazed how good they sound for such modest money.

I'm afraid that doesn't parallel my experience. I don't particularly recall the 350 (so perhaps that is different), but the 250 didn't particularly impress me.

[Macca]

If you get a 250 make sure it is the original not a Mk2 or 3 as they are just not as good.

[walpurgis]

I'm afraid that doesn't parallel my experience. I don't particularly recall the 350 (so perhaps that is different), but the 250 didn't particularly impress me.

The 350SE is the 'standout' item really. It's very good.

[walpurgis]

I would never have considered a Sony or Denon but having looked at some of the reviews of these they seem to be excellent with a very attractive price point. Which of these would be a better amp, the Sony TA-FB940 or the Denon PMA-350 (or PMA-355UK - what is the difference???).

One on eBay. Don't know if photos are of actual item though. Could be stock pics.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1714225527...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[raygreen]

The 350SE is the 'standout' item really. It's very good.

The Denon PMA-350SE has phono plugs on the rear but does not always have a phono stage fitted. Is there any way I could establish if a phono stage has been fitted?

[walpurgis]

The Denon PMA-350SE has phono plugs on the rear but does not always have a phono stage fitted. Is there any way I could establish if a phono stage has been fitted?

Ask the seller. About a third of them seem to include the phono stage, it's not a bad one either.

If I recall, there's a remote for them too. I'd assume ny Denon amp remote would be likely to work, so eBay could likely provide one.

Personally, I'd still go for a separate phono stage. Something from Graham Slee would do.

I was very impressed when I tried a Denon PMA-350SE again last year. It's clean, lucid and transparent, with plenty of grunt and grip. Compared to my valves and Class A amps it compared surprisingly well.

[raygreen]

Ask the seller. About a third of them seem to include the phono stage, it's not a bad one either.

If I recall, there's a remote for them too. I'd assume ny Denon amp remote would be likely to work, so eBay could likely provide one.

Personally, I'd still go for a separate phono stage. Something from Graham Slee would do.

I was very impressed when I tried a Denon PMA-350SE again last year. It's clean, lucid and transparent, with plenty of grunt and grip. Compared to my valves and Class A amps it compared surprisingly well.

I did ask the question but the seller did not seem to think it had the phono stage on it (I don't think they were sure to be honest but assume it is not there). Price seems fair. There is also a PMA-355UK on there too. Do you know anything about that one?

Thanks for the advice. Need to revisit ebay...NOW.

[istari_knight]

The 350SE is the 'standout' item really. It's very good.

The 250 can be a little cold/hard in the wrong system, I agree with Geoff the 350SE tends to be predictably good regardless of ancillaries. Personally I'd take a Sony QS over any of the budget Denons... They are behind in terms of excitement & drive but offer greater refinement & just sound altogether more "grown up" IMO.

The Denon UK editions are the same circuit with "audiophile grade" coupling capacitors... Whether they sound better or just different I dunno