craby

Hi, I've been running Vaf's DCX mk2's with a DCX mk2 centre in a 3.1 config. I originally let Audyssey do the setup and left everything set to large and full band, but after doing some reading on Audyssey's site, I thought I might be able to improve the setup. I found that leaving them on large/full band was good for 2 channel, but now I'm really struggling with getting it right for home theatre. I have taken Audysseys recommendation of setting the DCX to small, and the crossover at 80hz. This sounds pretty good compared to setting them to large/full band, but I still keep thinking that I'm wasting the capability of the DCX by setting the crossover so high. I tried 40 and 60hz as well, and noted that from time to time 60hz seemed pretty good too, which has started to get me confused. That said, I'm wondering what other DCX users have their crossover set to? Do you run at large/full band, or do you set the DCX to small and adjust the crossover? Thanks very much. regards,

Hello again, Thanks very much for the replies. I've received a response from Emotiva, and they say they can do an XPA-3 shipped for $922, which seems pretty reasonable. I'm going to give VAF a call tomorrow and go over the ins and outs. It's good to hear that a few people have good comments about the Emotiva gear. That type of feedback makes the decision much easier to make, should it come to that. I'll touch base again once I've had a talk to VAF. regards,

Thanks for the replies. I was under the impression that bi-amping with the 4310 itself was next to useless, so I didn't bother trying it. I might rig it up and give it a try. As for the room size, yes, it's pretty big. It's about 10m x 9m, and the system is in one corner. For normal listening it's okay i.e. volume at around 50, but when I push it to 60 to 80, there's a noticeable loss of depth to the sound. Per my original post, I thought this may have just been audyssey throttling everything due to the higher volume, but I couldn't be sure which is why I was thinking of throwing a power amp on. I'd be interested to hear from anyone who had a 4310 or similar and then added a power amp on with DCX. It may be that I really don't need one at all with the 4310. regards,

Hello, I've got a Denon 4310 running VAF DCX2 centre and fronts in a 3.1 config. The Denon does a pretty good job of powering them at normal listening levels, but I notice that as I turn the volume up to louder levels (like for a concert DVD or when I really want to belt out the music), the sound starts to become a hollower with less body and bass. Initially I thought it might have been because Audyssey was throttling everything, but I've looked at it and I think it might be because there's not enough power for the DCX at the level I'm cranking it up to. I've been considering adding a power amp into the rig to address this. That said, I've got a couple of questions:- 1. Should I get something like the Rotel RB1582 which can do 200w @8 in stereo, and then let the Denon run the centre and rears? Or is a 3 channel setup the best way to go given the DCX centre? Most of the time I listen to music in stereo, but for concert DVD's or movies, I don't want to be left short. 2. Is it better to get a power amp that is say only 100w per channel, and then bi amp between the Denon and the power amp, or should I go for something that can meet the full 200W of the DCX? At this stage my budget will be around $2500. I know those emotiva XPA-3's are within that, and although they review well, I'm not too sure (i.e. maybe cheap=not so good). Any recommendations within the budget for the gear I have would be most welcome! Thanks,

Okay, I'm back with some comments about the Denon 4310, after spending a week listening to it. So far I'm very impressed. It's quite a step up from the old Rotel. The set up was easy, and the GUI straight forward and quick to learn. There's about a million set up options in comparison to the Rotel, and best of all it doesn't make an annoying hum like the old unit The first thing I immediately noticed was how clean, clear and precise the sound is. I bought 3 of Diana Kralls DVD Audio albums, and the SACD version of War of the Worlds. All sound significantly better in stereo mode, and by that I mean the sound has far more body and depth at higher volumes, but importantly, the sound stage is more pronounced and the individual instruments much easier to discern due to the clarity of the sound compared to the Rotel. I used to listen to the Rotel mainly in stereo mode via the OPPO, using just the tone controls. That said, the direct mode on the Denon sounds better than the Rotel did with tone controls on, and the stereo option with tone control is better again. That said, once I fired up Audyssey, everything just went to a whole new level. The setup process was simple and easy to follow, and it allowed me to integrate my old sub with the DCX (which is something I had been struggling with). The difference with it on, as opposed to running in direct or stereo with tone controls, is chalk and cheese. As I said in my original post, my room setup is pretty hi-fi adverse, Audyssey seems to bring everything to life in a very engaging way, and I run it all the time now. The other option that I've found particularly good is the 'restorer'. From what I can gather, this is basically like a DACMagic type of mp3 upscaling function. There's 3 settings, and I've been using it to upscale music streamed from the PS3, together with DIVX movies. Once again, the improvement is significant over the old Rotel, and I use this function frequently to good effect in conjunction with Audyssey. I haven't tried the height channels yet, and unfortunately my room isn't wide enough for the width channels. I might try bi-amping the fronts as a test, but so far I haven't found any obvious short coming in the output to the DCX. I'm also going to try out the network streaming so I can bypass using the PS3 for that. All things considered, I think it's been a good investment. I'm really looking forward now to doing more listening tests on 2 channel gear, but until I make that decision, I've definitely moved up compared to what I was using before. It's really quite impressive, and will make a great foundation as I expand the system down the track. regards,

Thanks again to everyone for your replies. I did some auditioning this week, which included hearing Denon 1910 and 2310's in different rooms with different speaker sets. In all instances, the speakers weren't as good as the DCX, however, it was immediately apparent that the HT and 2 channel sound of those units is quite superior to what I'm currently getting. That said, I was able to get the 4310 for $3k neat, with some cabling thrown in as well, so I pulled the trigger. I did some ringing around, but I couldn't get anyone to go below that at the moment. Although I could do it a couple of hundred cheaper online, at least this way I'm going to have the local Hi-Fi store available if there's a problem. I thought long and hard about getting a 2 channel rig too, as my budget will stretch to it, but I don't want to rush into that decision. I primarily went for the Denon now because I was happy with the price and sound for HT. It may be possible to get them a bit cheaper later on, but I didn't want to run the risk of getting caught short when the new models arrive. Once it's up and running, I'll post again on how it works for me at home. I can then spend more time listening to 2 channel integrated amps and make a choice on one down the track (if I think I need to). I think the 2 channel decision is by far the most important, and I don't want to botch that. regards,

Just a snappy update. I did some more ringing around and surfing online this morning. It looks like the price has been dropped to $3000 for the Denon 4310. I haven't been able to find anyone that actually has one in the shop, and the general word is they're definitely trying to punt everything out of the shops for the new range. I'd rather not buy one blind, but if I'm going to get one it could be the only option. The local shop has a 2310 I can listen to, so I'll see if I can get an audition of that before I decide.

Thanks guys for the quick replies. You've given me some good tips. I've started to look again at the Denon 4310 which has pretty good output and from what I heard, not bad stereo as well. I have had a chance to look at the 3d TV gear, and couldn't care less after seeing it, so I"m definitely up for a HDMI 1.3 AVR while they're going cheaper. The best price so far on the Denon has been $3300, but I'm sure I can do better. I've got an audition lined up of the Arcam A38 which I'll go and listen to as well, but if I can snag a good AVR for less, then I could feasibly consider getting the dedicated 2 channel gear gear next if I can tell the difference between it and a better AVR. Everyone's right though, now is definitely the time to make a move. The dealers are definitely interested in moving the old stock. I had a look at the Pioneer Lx-82 as well, and I've got to say that $2k was a pretty good price! I'll do some more listening tests and then make a move. Thanks again, it's much appreciated. regards,

Hello, I have an old Rotel RSX965 which has served me faithfully for near on 15 years. I bought an OPPO BDP83 so I could get Dolby True HD and DTS through it (the AVR has an option to bypass internal processors so it only behaves like an amp via db25 to rca). It's 75w at 8ohms 20-20, and is running 3 x DCX on the front, and 2 x Bose 301 series 3 on the rears. Unfortunately there's a drama with the Rotel's processing of LFE on analog (i.e. there is almost none), which can't be corrected despite adjusting the trim in the OPPO and the sub volume. Because it's not HDMI, I'm basically looking at upgrade time. Currently due to a new arrival in the household, there's been almost no HT activity, and as such, I've been concentrating on 2 channel only with the OPPO, buying SACD and DVD-A. The old Rotel does this very nicely through analog, and is only let down by the movie side of things. Currently the rear speakers are in the cupboard, and only come out for the odd movie night. I've generally been doing stereo or 5.1 downmix (most of the time the DCX centre sits idle which is a bit tragic). Now that I've set the scene. I'm not going to be getting back into HT for awhile yet, so I'm considering whether or not I'll get an Arcam A38 and a P38 to bi-amp the DCX for a two channel setup, and then later on down the track, buy something like a Denon 1911 or a 2311 to run the home theatre side of things. Alternatively, I could just buy an older AVR with HDMI, and let the OPPO do the processing (it sounds much better than when the Rotel does the Dolby or DTS decoding). I have no interest in ipod, multi-zone, sat radio and the like, so paying big munga for an expensive AVR with all of that on it seems like a waste of money to me. All things considered, my room setup is pretty ordinary and is only suitable for 5.1 (the left DCX is jammed in the corner, and the entire left wall is glass. My audio area is in the corner of a 8x8m room). And that said, I'm wondering if buying a higher end AVR like a Denon 3311 would generally be a more cost effective solution. I have heard the 4310, and it's stereo performance was quite good, but I'm aware of not getting locked into an AVR which doesn't allow a future upgrade path like my old Rotel, so building separates for the primary purpose of music seems like a smarter move from that perspective. I'm of the opinion that if I buy good 2 channel gear now it'll probably last me the rest of my life. But equally, I'm concerned about spending big money on high end 2 channel gear which may or may not give me any significant improvement over a good AVR. Anyway, I'm only going to get 1 shot at this, so I can't afford to screw it up. I think some people here have gone down a similar path, so I'd be interested in some comments. As usual, your advice is always very welcome. regards,

Hello, I have an old Rotel RSX965 which has served me faithfully for near on 15 years. I bought an OPPO BDP83 so I could get Dolby True HD and DTS through it (the AVR has an option to bypass internal processors so it only behaves like an amp via db25 to rca). It's 75w at 8ohms 20-20, and is running 3 x DCX on the front, and 2 x Bose 301 series 3 on the rears. Unfortunately there's a drama with the Rotel's processing of LFE on analog (i.e. there is almost none), which can't be corrected despite adjusting the trim in the OPPO and the sub volume. Because it's not HDMI, I'm basically looking at upgrade time. Currently due to a new arrival in the household, there's been almost no HT activity, and as such, I've been concentrating on 2 channel only with the OPPO, buying SACD and DVD-A. The old Rotel does this very nicely through analog, and is only let down by the movie side of things. Currently the rear speakers are in the cupboard, and only come out for the odd movie night. I've generally been doing stereo or 5.1 downmix (most of the time the DCX centre sits idle which is a bit tragic). Now that I've set the scene. I'm not going to be getting back into HT for awhile yet, so I'm considering whether or not I'll get an Arcam A38 and a P38 to bi-amp the DCX for a two channel setup, and then later on down the track, buy something like a Denon 1911 or a 2311 to run the home theatre side of things. Alternatively, I could just buy an older AVR with HDMI, and let the OPPO do the processing (it sounds much better than when the Rotel does the Dolby or DTS decoding). I have no interest in ipod, multi-zone, sat radio and the like, so paying big munga for an expensive AVR with all of that on it seems like a waste of money to me. All things considered, my room setup is pretty ordinary and is only suitable for 5.1 (the left DCX is jammed in the corner, and the entire left wall is glass. My audio area is in the corner of a 8x8m room). And that said, I'm wondering if buying a higher end AVR like a Denon 3311 would generally be a more cost effective solution. I have heard the 4310, and it's stereo performance was quite good, but I'm aware of not getting locked into an AVR which doesn't allow a future upgrade path like my old Rotel, so building separates for the primary purpose of music seems like a smarter move from that perspective. I'm of the opinion that if I buy good 2 channel gear now it'll probably last me the rest of my life. But equally, I'm concerned about spending big money on high end 2 channel gear which may or may not give me any significant improvement over a good AVR. Anyway, I'm only going to get 1 shot at this, so I can't afford to screw it up. I think some people here have gone down a similar path, so I'd be interested in some comments. As usual, your advice is always very welcome. regards,

Hello, I have an old Rotel RSX965 which has served me faithfully for near on 15 years. I bought an OPPO BDP83 so I could get Dolby True HD and DTS through it (the AVR has an option to bypass internal processors so it only behaves like an amp via db25 to rca). It's 75w at 8ohms 20-20, and is running 3 x DCX on the front, and 2 x Bose 301 series 3 on the rears. Unfortunately there's a drama with the Rotel's processing of LFE on analog (i.e. there is almost none), which can't be corrected despite adjusting the trim in the OPPO and the sub volume. Because it's not HDMI, I'm basically looking at upgrade time. Currently due to a new arrival in the household, there's been almost no HT activity, and as such, I've been concentrating on 2 channel only with the OPPO, buying SACD and DVD-A. The old Rotel does this very nicely through analog, and is only let down by the movie side of things. Currently the rear speakers are in the cupboard, and only come out for the odd movie night. I've generally been doing stereo or 5.1 downmix (most of the time the DCX centre sits idle which is a bit tragic). I'm not going to be getting back into HT for awhile yet, so I'm considering whether or not I'll get an Arcam A38 and a P38 to bi-amp the DCX for a two channel setup, and then later on down the track, buy something like a Denon 1911 or a 2311 to run the home theatre side of things. Alternatively, I could just buy an older AVR with HDMI, and let the OPPO do the processing (it sounds much better than when the Rotel does the Dolby or DTS decoding). I have no interest in ipod, multi-zone, sat radio and the like, so paying big munga for an expensive AVR with all of that on it seems like a waste of money to me. All things considered, my room setup is pretty ordinary and is only suitable for 5.1 (the left DCX is jammed in the corner, and the entire left wall is glass. My audio area is in the corner of a 8x8m room). And that said, I'm wondering if buying a higher end AVR like a Denon 3311 would generally be a better solution. I have heard the 4310, and it's stereo performance was quite good, but I'm aware of not getting locked into an AVR which doesn't allow a future upgrade path like my old Rotel, so building separates for the primary purpose of music seems like a smarter move. I'm of the opinion that if I buy good 2 channel gear now it'll probably last me the rest of my life. Anyway, I'm only going to get 1 shot at this, so I can't afford to screw it up. I'm really thinking the 2 channel option is the way to go, as at least I could use that gear to drive the fronts if I got a smaller AVR down the track. As usual, your advice is always very welcome. regards,

Hi Guys, Just as an addendum entry, although I've noted that TrueHD and DTS master are superb through the DB25 via analogues on the BDP83, there's a definite hit (major hit really), on what appears to be the LFE channel on the sub when watching home theatre on blu ray or normal DVD. The difference between the analogue and the digital connections is chalk and cheese, with an almost complete absence of deep low end bass from the sub on the analogues. Even if I turn the sub up, there's no improvement, as it seems to be the player itself. I've increased the sub volume in the OPPO, but it didn't make any particular improvement i.e. I normally have my sub set to about 1/4 volume with 0db in the receiver. Even with it on max and the oppo up to +10DB, I wasn't getting good deep LFE bass. Master and Commander is my usual benchmark for deep hard bass, and it's noticeably missing. Unfortunately when I'm using the DB25, I can only adjust the volume and the tone controls, so the sub volume in the receiver is locked out. The analogue DTS sound from the OPPO is vastly better than that coming from my old amp on the optical line, so it's a bit of a shame. I've read other forums where people have reported a similar problem, so hopefully there may be a fix coming out. I've emailed OPPO, but no reply so far. regards,

Hi Guys, I thought I'd post again to let you know how it all went. The OPPO BDP 83 turned up last week. I connected it using the stereo connections to the amplifier. When I hooked it up that way, the amp turned the internal DAC's off, and it behaved as a 2 channel stereo amplifier. The sound was very impressive, and a significant improvement from the PS3. I was able to play an 320 bit rate MP3 of a song on the PS3 and then switch back and forth with a DVD audio version of it. Really noticeable, even to a lay person like me. Everything just sounded clearer and with more depth. I hunted around for a DB25 to RCA cable, and also contacted international dynamics, but they couldn't help. In the end, I just fished an old null modem cable out of the cupboard and a handful of cheap RCA cables. I then fired up the soldering iron and got it sorted. I plugged it all together tonight, and was even more impressed. When I select the 5.1ch option on the receiver, it just becomes an amplifier, and all I can adjust is the volume and tone controls. Dolby TrueHD is decoded in the Oppo, and then pumped out through the amp with ease. The demo blu ray disc that came with the OPPO has some great 2 channel and trueHD/DTS demo tracks, and it really gave me an opportunity to hear how well it all sounded. Even though my amp is only 75 watts per channel at 20-20khz, it's driving the three DCX fronts very easily. At higher volumes the sound starts to loose some of it's 'depth' (for want of a better word, it starts to sound a little hollow), but at normal levels it's very nice. The bottom line is that by purchasing the Oppo and making the DB25 to RCA cable up, I've been able to extend the life of my old amplifier again. Thanks again for everyones input. regards,

Hello, Thanks for the replies. In relation to the other post I found, I ended up finding several along the same lines after changing my search parameters, but here's one from this site:- http://forum.blu-ray.com/audio-theory-discussion/91058-dolby-truehd-dts-hd-ma-old-receiver.html But the main one was a post I found from 2004. A bloke in the US has the same receiver as I do, and decided he wanted to keep it, but wished to get the latest sound standards. He looked at buying a cable, but ended up just making one. In the manual for my receiver, it has the schematic for the layout. He said that he just cut a 3 cord RCA in half and the soldered it. That said, you can buy the cables already made up in the US for about $80AU. It looks like what happens is when you press the 5.1ch button per my extract from the manual, the receiver basically just becomes an amp. The Oppo looks like a very capable unit, and I think that this will be a really good solution as opposed to coughing for a new receiver, when I could probably get away with keeping what I've got. I agree with you, it still sounds great after all these years, and drives the DCX very well. I see that the Oppo BDP 83 can be bought directly from Oppo for less than $700 AU including postage, which is around $400 cheaper than buying them in Australia. I'll probably look to make a move shortly, and I'll post on how it goes. regards,

Hi Guys, Snappy update. I've found another post here that would suggest that this is a 'can do' situation. I'd still be interested in hearing from anyone who has gone down this path though. regards, craby

Hi Guys, I've previously posted about using my old Rotel RSX 965, and the help has been really appreciated (everything is sounding superb, and I've just got a DCX centre on the way to pair with the DCX's). My question is this. I'm using a PS3, and I'm keen to swap up for an OPPO or a Cambridge 650BD (when I see some reviews of it). Now, my old receiver only does Dolby Digtal and Dolby Pro Logic, and as we know you can't get True HD or DTS Master through optical from the PS3. The receiver has the ability to accept 5.1 via DB25 from external decoders, disabling the onboard decoders. I'm thinking of getting the OPPO, and then connecting it to the receiver with a DB25 to RCA. I'll get the OPPO to do the decoding of True HD/DTS master, and then the receiver would only act as an Amp. The amp puts out 75watts per channel, and drives the DCX's quite easily. I accept that I'll eventually be up for another receiver, but I intend to get the OPPO or 650BD for SACD and DVD-A anyway. I thought this might allow me to extend the life of the receiver a bit while I make that decision. In the manual, it says this about the function:- This button overrides all other inputs (both analog and digital) and directly connects an external digital adaptor to the RSX-965’s MASTER VOLUME control and outputs. This allows the RSX-965 to remain the central controller for even the most advanced audio/ video systems and provides an upgrade path to future software standards. When activated, all of the RSX-965’s inboard Dolby processing is bypassed. Does anyone have any experience in using this type of setup? Is it recommended or should I just hold off and get another receiver at some point later in the year (I've been hanging out for the Cambridge 650R reviews and it's just taking forever- sigh). Thanks again. craby

Hello, Is the DC-Xcc G4MKII centre speaker in Black Oak finish still available? regards, craby

Hello again, I've spent the last two days doing some tests. As part of that, I set up my old Polk CS 150 centre. It's specs are:- Overall Frequency Response 100Hz - 20kHz Nominal Impedance 8 ohms Recommended Amplifier Power10 - 100 w/channel Efficiency 89 db 1 x 4.5 inch subwoofer, 1 x 4.5 inch mid, and 1 x 1 inch tweeter Okay, it's nothing fantastic, but it does the job. I had to crank it up a bit to get it to match in with the DCX on the test tones, but it worked. Anyway, here' the outcomes:- In stereo with the sub turned on and the DCX set to large, the sub was actually running. If I turned up the volume on it, it was thumping away. I tried putting it in a couple of different locations, but without a doubt, two channel music like CD's and MP3's sounded MUCH better with the sub turned off. Although it's phased correctly, it just sounded slow and imprecise compared to the DCX running solo. I use a PS3, so DVD audio is out for me at the moment. I then fired up Master and Commander with the receiver set to DTS for some 5.1. Quite frankly, I just about fell out of my chair it sounded so good. The little centre worked just fine set to small, with the DCX on Large. Down the track, I intend to use my old Bose 301 series 2 as rears, until I get some DC7's, and I'll probably get the DCX centre as well. That said, even without the rears, I could clearly hear sound off to the sides of where I was sitting. Very impressive. In relation to the low pass filter, I tried a couple of settings. I had it on the lowest which is 50hz, and then 60hz, and then tried as per the other suggestion of maxing it out to the 125hz. I only have it's volume set to about 1/3, and running on the 125hz setting seemed to produce the best results. The system produced far louder and clearer sound with the DCX than I'd ever heard before. If I turn the sub up higher, it starts to sound muddy and droning. No doubt a more modern sub will be in order at some point as well. My room doesn't have the best setup (I have to put the left DCX right in the corner because they get in the way of the projector screen, and I sit about 4 metres away from them. But that said, they aren't boomy, and the soundstage and centre sound in two channel mode is clear. I had a look at the Cambridge 650R manual, and in it they refer to the frequency range of large and small speakers i.e. if your speakers are in this range, set your receiver to large etc. That's good info which my old Rotel manual doesn't have. But that said, everyone's help has let me sort through setting this up now. No doubt there will be some more fine tuning, but the hard yards are done. Many thanks again. regards, craby

Thanks very much for those replies, you guys gave me exactly the information I was after. I'm going to set it up again this weekend and do some experimentation. The distribution of the bass using the large setting is good info, and I'm sure I'll be able to get something passable going until I do some upgrading of the sub and the receiver. I'm hanging out for some reviews on the Cambridge 650R, so hopefully that will be the next acquisition! Again, thanks very much. I really appreciate everyones input. regards, craby

Hello, As per my other post, I'm the proud owner of a pair of new DC-X, and I'm still loving them! This weekend, I decided to try and set my old sub up, but I'm having trouble getting it to integrate properly with the sound from the DC-X. My receiver doesn't any any auto configuration options, and I'm a little bit stuck. The receiver is a Rotel RSX965. It has a single sub pre-out RCA, and the only options it has for the sub are to select it as present or not, and to adjust it's volume. The sub is a Miller and Kreisel V75 mk 2. It has a volume control, low pass filter with settings from 50 to 125hz, phase switch and satellite connectors. It's also got left/mono and right RCA sockets. When I hook it up, I use a single RCA line from the pre-amp to the left/mono. I tried it with the speakers set to small, but it just didn't sound as good as when they were set to large. I've experimented with the low pass filter (which the manual says to set to 85hz for most speakers), but I found the bass was more integrated with the DCX when it was set to around 60hz (but after half a day I couldn't tell too well anymore). I was hoping that someone could help with a couple of questions:- 1. Is there a general Hz level at which amps will re-direct bass to a sub when the speakers are set to small or large? i.e. if I leave the DCX on large, which is where it sounded best, how do I know at what stage the receiver will re-direct bass to the sub? 2. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding the level I should put the low pass filter on? Here's the specs for the sub:- V-75 Mark II Powered Subwoofer Drivers: (1) 12" long-throw MK125. Internal Amp Power: 75 watts rms Frequency Response: 20 - 125 Hz Finish: Black ash Dimensions: 18.5" H x 15 3/8" W x 20.25" D For normal music listening, it's not an issue as the speakers themselves are just fine, but I'd like to rig up for movies again shortly, and I wouldn't mind getting this sorted out. At the moment, it sounds better with the sub off, so any advice will be appreciated. Thanks for your help. craby

Hello, I'd like to post about my recent experience in dealing with VAF, and also the delivery of my DC-X speakers, which arrived just before Christmas. I've been looking to upgrade my gear for a few years now, and have been listening to a range of brands, and reading these forums. My rig was a pair of Bose 301 series 2, a polk CS 150 centre, and Polk M3 II rears. I also have a Miller and Kreisel V75 Mk2 sub. Originally I was using a Luxman RV 371 Amp which I bought in 1991, but I later upgraded to a Rotel RSX 965 about 15 or 16 years ago, when dolby digital and DTS came out. I use a PS3, but I also have an old Rotel 5 disc carousel. The Rotel is rated at 75 watts at 8ohms on all channels, and the Luxman is 70 watts at 8ohms on the fronts. I did some driving around, and listened to Krix, Paradigm, Jamo, a few different brands I don't remember at JB and Wow, and also some of the newer Bose speakers. I then looked into VAF's DC-X, and liked the specs, and the reviews I was reading. I contacted VAF, and was told that they're phasing the kits out, so I decided to buy and assemble myself before they finished up. I had several emails with Mr VAF himself, and also a couple of phone conversations. I found everyone at the company really helpful and well informed. This was a contrast from a lot of the salespeople I met, who often knew less than I did. Anyway, I bought the speakers, and was told it would take about 10 weeks for delivery. Surprisingly, I got a phone call about 2 weeks later, letting me know that they were going to ship my speakers, and that instead of the kit they would be fully assembled at no extra charge! I got them home this weekend, and did some listening tests. Needless to say, I'm extremely impressed. I now understand what people mean about 'soundstage', 'clarity' and 'bass'. The old Bose 301's are nothing in comparison to these, and I can't believe what I've been missing all these years. I don't listen very loud, so my Rotel amp is quite capable of powering them. I hooked up the Luxman, and found that it drove the speakers with less effort than the Rotel, but it just didn't sound as good as the Rotel. After a few listening tests, I disconnected the sub and the centre channel, as they just ruin the sound coming from the DC-X. I know it was a risk buying without listening, but the option to buy a kit, and then to return if I didn't like them after a month, was a pretty good enticement. I'm hardly an audiophile, but I know what sounds good, and I'm very happy with the choice. No doubt I'm going to have to save up for a good centre and a new amp with HDMI at some point, but for now, it's been a great weekend re-discovering all my old favourite music. The worst thing has been that all my 160 or less mp3's now sound horrible, so I might have to re-do them sometime! Anyway, I hope this might help someone else make a decision down the track. regards, craby