Which AV Amp for MA PL100 Fronts?

You could also consider having a separate pre/pro and multichannel power amp, from the likes of Audiolab, Arcam, Primare, Onkyo, Marantz etc.

Thanks for the replies, the issue with having separate pre / power is that i just do not have the room!

Which brings me onto another question

Let says hypathetically I bought a new Arcam AVR600 to go with my MA PL100's

I would love the matching PL woofer and centre, but aside from the cost i dont really have room for them.

If use a Arcam AVR600 or similar, with

MA PL100 fronts and say the MA Apex system, i.e. the Apex rears, sub, centre but with MAP L100 fronts?

Would this sound good or would it mess things up?

I figure mixing up ranges might be a bad idea as speakers are designed to be used with other speakers from the same system? 

Rears ok, pretty much any good sub fine, but no way with the centre IMHO. Not only do you need the tonal consistency across the front three but the centre is the most important speaker IMO, the majority of the information comes through it, incl most / all of the dialogue. In a mainly movies setup I would sacrifice the fronts before the centre. Any way of making room for the matching smaller platinum centre?

+1.

I would also recommend the Yamaha RX-A3010 / 3020. You can always add a stereo amplifier if you want better stereo sound. Make sure you demo your receivers prior to purchase. 

You have been given good advice above.

Ideally, you need your centre to match your front L&R, so if the PLC 150 is too much of a stretch, you either have go 2.1 or put in a cheap centre to fill in, until you can do the upgrade.

Your rears are less important and can come from further down the range.

A good sub is vital for the full "AV experience". It doesn't have to come from MA, unless matching aesthetics are important. Something like the SVS SB13 Plus would be ideal, as it is great VFM (unless it's taken a big price hike). If it's on the dear side, look to BK.

Everything said about whether you will like the sound, is purely academic at this stage......when you go and listen for yourself, everything should become clearer. If space is at a premium, the AVR600 may well be the best bet, as I think the likelihood is that its 2 channel performance will exceed your expectations.

The trouble with buying great speakers, is that everything else has to be in the same league to get the most from them. Anyway, report back with how you get on and what you finally go for.

Cno

Hi teapea you have been given some good advice as i have previously by CnoEvil regarding the arcam avr600 that i recently bought for £1500 ex dem  granted its not the 3d version but not bothered by that at the moment can allways have it upgraded later on if i like with the stereo side of things it is excellent also very good with movies certainly at this price i am very happy with it try to see if you can get a demo of all amps you are considering 

Hi Garry

I hope you have managed to get it set up to your satisfaction and are now enjoying its full potential.

Cno

Hi Cno yes amp sounding great thanks to your advice i set up the dolby volume as you advised and sounds great at lower listening levels the only thing i havent tried yet is using the spare rear chanells for biamping as you suggested did it make much of a difference in your experience thanks again Garry

I'm delighted you managed to get the DV to work, as it really improves lower level listening.

Provided you don't have very expensive speaker cable, I found that bi-amping was certainly worth doing....though it has more effect on 2 channel listening, which exclusively comes from the speakers that have been bi-amped (obviously). I found it gave better control/cleaned up the sound and had punchier bass - all of which improved the soundstage. So if you can do it relatively cheaply, I'd say go for it.

I also found it responded well to a better power cable (like Clearer Audio Copper-Line), so you might also keep this in mind. Clearer Audio allow you to return it after a decent trial period, if it brings no improvement.

If you try any of these things, let us know how it goes.

Thank you so much for all your replies, the advice I have received here as really helped a lot!

It is the problem with buying nice speakers and why I have resisted surround for so long 

I have got it down to a Onkyo 5009 or Arcam AVR 600

Currently, I keep my stereo amplifier inside my tv stand which has a door on the front so it's enclosed on the front and sides, would this be an issue or do these av receivers need to be somewhere where there's plenty of ventilation for heat reasons?

I have seen a few ex dem Arcams around the 2k mark which seems a good buy, I could easily spend a fortune on AV, but I'm saving toward moving to a detached house which I'm sure we're all aware is the best hi fi upgade you can buy  so I am restraining myself!

I have been measuring and could fit in a PL150 yeah, so will probably buy one of these to match as it would look better too!

In terms of the 3D upgrade on the Arcam, does anyone know if it isnt there, can the arcam still carry 3D from a mac mini in a half SBS mkv file? As all my 3D stuff is in this format anyway, so I can't see it being an issue as the video stream itself is 1920x1080 still?

I'm guessing the 3D upgrade allows it to carry 'full sbs' aka 3840x1080 resolution, which would be what 3D from a 3D blu ray comes in at? TBH I don't use 3D very often as I find it hurts my eyes after a while.

Now you've got your short list, it's a matter of seeing which presentation you prefer......make sure you bring a good variety of your favorite music, as this is where the differences will really be shown up. It is essential to listen long enough to make sure that an initially dramatic sound doesn't become fatiguing after a while.

With some of these big powerful amps, ventilation is important. I have my AVR600 in an open rack so its never been an issue. You should be able to check out the manuals on line to get a guideline. 

I don't believe that the Arcam can handle any 3D signal without the board (which can be a retrofit).....but a quick phone call to (Matt) at Arcam Technical will give you an answer (they are most helpful, but respond better in person than by email).

I think your right regarding air ventilation, I don't like them on show but it is probably for the best

I will definatly be buying a MA PL centre, it's just the amp and other speakers I need to decide on, I will keep looking into it.

I think you are making the right decisions. As has already been stated, the Centre is the most important one in AV....you are in for a real treat when you hook up a really good amp to your (soon to be) Platinum front end.

IMO If you have budget constraints, you are better to compromise on your Rear Speakers than on your Sub (which will have a greater impact on your enjoyment).

I would say it's the sub.

You might have a point.....f**k the dialogue and give me EXPLOSIONS!