Where I live in Bombay, the Denon UD M31 retails for approx USD 265
more than the Onkyo CS 220. I know that the Denon is a truly good
system. But is it worth $ 265 more than the Onkyo?

wrote:

Where I live in Bombay, the Denon UD M31 retails for approx USD 265
more than the Onkyo CS 220. I know that the Denon is a truly good
system. But is it worth $ 265 more than the Onkyo?

I am guessing that the two models that you refer are mini-system. In my
personal experience, systems like these are a total waste of money.

You're much better off buying an off-the-shelf DVD player, amp and
spending the majority of budget on good speakers.

I do know that B&W have a dealer in Bombay, and I am sure you can find
loads of other speaker brands.

" wrote:

Where I live in Bombay, the Denon UD M31 retails for approx USD 265
more than the Onkyo CS 220. I know that the Denon is a truly good
system. But is it worth $ 265 more than the Onkyo?

I have no idea which item is best, but both companies have
solid reputations. My suggestion is to check with the two
owner's manuals to see which reads best. I know this seems
like an odd criteria for deciding what to purchase, but the
fact is that some manuals are cryptic and others read much
better. No matter how good a receiver is, if the manual is
hard to decipher all of its advantages are academic.

Also, just check the performance specifications listed in
the manual. Get the unit that has the most impressive
readout, unless it costs a huge amount more and the
advantages it has over the cheaper unit do not mean anything
to you. For example, if both have enough amplifier power for
your needs but one has still more, then that additional
power is overkill and there would be no need to pay for it.

I will note that some features, like Dolby Digital decoding,
DTS decoding, Dolby ProLogic II capabilities, etc., have
their performance parameters pretty much dictated by the
licensing companies. For the most part, the really important
variables will involve the ability of the receivers to deal
with simulating surround sound from two-channel sources. Of
course, if you do that sort of thing just with Dolby
ProLogic II decoding then those parameters will again be
dictated by the licensing company.

Howard Ferstler