Tonyi

Having read a few comparisons of the Denon 1800 to the two yamahas mentioned, the Denon seemed to come off better. A little lower wattage, but other things were listed as better.

Thank you for that. I learned the hard way with HDMI cables when I got my new Foxtel 4k box last year. After trying everything, I tried the cable that came with the Foxtel box and realized it was 2.0. So I have upgraded all my hdmi cables a while ago. Yes I have vintage set of HUGH Tannoys but they are very efficient and the centre and surrounds are efficient as well. Thanks again for your input.

Thank you. But yes, outside the budget.

Ok, so briefly, back in the 80s, I managed Douglas Hifi & Brashs stores here in Melbourne. I now find myself in unfamiliar territory. After years of giving advice on this stuff, I now fine I am out of my depth and need advice myself. Not too proud to ask and yes I have been reading and researching for the last month but nothing like peoples experience. I haven't kept up with stuff for the last 15 years. I have a Denon AVC a10se which I loved. Back then it was top end and I have always been more than happy with it even though I have had to run seperate HDMI to the stuff and optical to the amp. It recently has stopped processing the digital inputs. So no sound. Being 25 years old, I doubt it is worth getting it looked at. I have a beautiful old Luxman HiFi amp which I use for music. I am looking for a budget replacement for my AVCa10se. My needs are not the same as my younger days. I don't listen to movies at the same volumes etc. and don't use the sub that much because it spooks my dog. Basically I am looking at $1000.00 or less. I have been considering the Denon AVR-X1800H. I am not really interested in the Atmos and all that stuff, I just want a good 5.1 or 7.1 Surround Amp. I do need something with optical inputs because I have a media center which does not pass through sound on the HDMI and I have another device I want to run through optical or digital input. I don't want the hassles I read about with HDMI versions. I have 4k gear and want it passed through without any headaches. I also was curious to know, If I got an older used model, with HDMI 1080p only, Can I go directly to the equipment with HDMI and run the optical into the amp. I guess I am asking if the optical are assignable as they are on the Denon I have. I guess my question is, will the current model Denon AVR-X1800H do the job or should I look at a higher end second hand Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo etc.. I would greatly appreciate any guidance for this dinosaur.

I just came across this post whilst looking for old colleagues I used to work with. No Luck of course. I used to work at Douglas HiFi Melbourne late 70's early 80's, through a bit of the hey day and through the demise when Brashs bought them out. They were fantastic days to work in Hifi, loved listening to all the top end gear and walking the floor looking out on to Bourke Street. Really fond memories for me. Still have some gear I bought myself back in the day.