£1600 to spend!!
I've got this to spend on a hi-fi system (having got a refund on a watch). I'm looking for a system with bookcase speakers. I need it to play accassional DVD's if this is possible. Not sure to go down the NAD viso/B+W 685 route or separates. Not a lot of experience on this but would appreciate some expert advice. Many thanks.
Can this be used as a decent DVD player as well? Sorry if this is a stupid question!?
Not a stupid question at all!
For DVD, you would need the Solo Movie, which will eat your budget by itself (£1450 for the 2.1 version and £1700 for the 5.1)...
However, decent DVD players are pretty cheap these days, and the analog outputs from one of them can be connected into the normal Solo's aux inputs to provide damn good sound...
Could you use a blue ray player and connect it to the Solo?
Yep, in the same way as you would connect a DVD player - using the analog outputs. It's worth stating (although perhaps obvious) that it would still only be 2-channel i.e. not surround.
Thanks for this. I thought that although it's not a problem as we don't watch too many films anyway, mainly listen to music. This is why I thought the NAD Viso Five might be a good option as I could eventually use the 5.1 feature but initial just have it as 2 channel. Do you think the sound from the Arcam would be much better?
I must admit, starting from scratch with this I would seriously consider the AVI ADM9s.
Add a good solid DVD player (say Marantz DV7001), and a digital cable, and thats it. Very neat solution.
That was my hint for Ashley to come online with!
Have a look at http://www.avihifi.co.uk/ Their ADM9s are £1000, have a built in amp and Digital-to-Analog convertor, so as Fr0g rightly says, all you need is a DVD player and a digital lead from the player to the speakers.
Quite a few people on here (including an WHF official review) have said just how suprised they were when they heard them, with people saying that a £1500 ADM9 + source system compares very favourably with a £3000+ separates system.
fatboyslimfast:That was my hint for Ashley to come online with!
Sorry, yes, thats what got me thinking.
If I were to start over I think I'd be very tempted. My other half would be extremely happy too!
Can you connect sky+ to the Solo?
Peter Bleakley:Can you connect sky+ to the Solo?
Stereo RCA into Solo Music (stereo only)
Optical digital into Solo Movie. (Dolby Digital 5.1 etc)
Check out the ADM9s tho too as suggested for a very high quality stereo only option.
Cheers. The ADM9's look good. If I wanted DAB as well - how would this work if I only had a CD/DVD/Blue Ray player connected to the speakers? (Hope this isn't me just being a bit slow!)
WHFS&V said the nad is very serious competition for the solo so you may not notice that much of a difference (£500 or so worth).Peter Bleakley:Thanks for this. I thought that although it's not a problem as we don't watch too many films anyway, mainly listen to music. This is why I thought the NAD Viso Five might be a good option as I could eventually use the 5.1 feature but initial just have it as 2 channel. Do you think the sound from the Arcam would be much better?
Peter Bleakley:Cheers. The ADM9's look good. If I wanted DAB as well - how would this work if I only had a CD/DVD/Blue Ray player connected to the speakers? (Hope this isn't me just being a bit slow!)
I wouldn't bother with DAB if you have Sky+ attached as you already have all the stations. They sound very nice coming from the Sky box too...
I was told about these ADM9 on this forum and think they fantasitco sistem for simple and good sound.
Plug in a PS3 and you can play BluRay DVD and game and also stream WAV into the DAC.
That's everything you ever need in simple package.
Also could try Squeezebox. Internet Radio will have more variety than DAB, which is not available where I live in Milan anyway. Music breaks up a little. Is not constant.
Arcam Solo not very good. I have not heard ADM9 yet. Don't know if can listen near Milan?
If you want a one-box solution, then I would go Arcam Solo and Epos M5i's.
However, there is another way that fits your budget. Ashley...Whoo-hoo? Are you there?
Sources: Technics SL1210Mk2 with Denon DL110/AT-95E, Mac Mini, Virgin V+.
Amplification: Cyrus 2.
Speakers: Mordaunt Short MS20i Pearls with Fisual Super Pearl 2.5mm cable.
Other kit: More than I should have. My loft is creaking.