New remote or new receiver - advice needed

[IRG]

I have a Roksan Kandy integrated amp and cd player. Nice equipment, probably underutilized for what I use it for. Mainly TV and dvd watching. I have a pair of Energy C-3 monitors hooked up to it, and a Sony dvd player and Sony TV. No sub.

Here's the issue - sorta minor. The remote that is used for both the amp and cd player doesn't work now. I've tried different batteries, but to no avail. I've looked at universal remotes to replace it. The problem is, most of the time, tha current remote that is going to be replaced has to work for the new remote to get the codes. I understand there are learning remotes that get codes off the web like Logitech. However these remotes are like $134 at BB. And the cheaper remotes that would be ok for me to buy, don't list Roksan as one that can be replaced. When the remote did work, I tried to get my "universal" cable remote control to learn the codes for volume, but it never worked. And this is mostly what I need the remote to do -volume. Otherwise I love my cable remote -it just feels right, and it works my TV and dvd player too.

Maybe I can get a new Roksan remote - but I didn't even see Roksan on the web, though I didn't get too deep into my Google search. Anyone know how to contact them?

The other possibility is to sell this equipment altogether and get a new receiver. And here is where I need advice.

My room for this equipment is my main living room. It is not big, about 15 x 10, with fairly low ceilings. I have very little wall space for equipment. I have 3 walls: one has a fireplace on it, the adjacent wall has a large picture frame window, and the last wall (facing the fireplace) is the only solid wall, but to put the TV there, you would have your seats in front of the fireplace, which looks stupid and won't happen. The fourth wall is open to a dining room. Right now, I have my TV in a corner, between the fireplace wall and the picture frame wall. Aesthetically it looks ok, and sonically it is ok for TV/DVD, probably lousy for music, but lately my iPod is my main source for music.

So the problem if I get a new receiver, is where would I put additional speakers if any? I have the main coach against a wall, so speakers could not be behind the listener, only beside at best. I wouldn't mind adding a sub, and maybe a center speaker. The smaller the speakers the better - mostly for aesthetic reasons. Also I may move in a 1 1/2 year, so I don't want to do too much now.

Would anyone recommend a 5.1 or 6.1 receiver, or should I stay 2 channel? I would love to have the am/fm benefit of a receiver, as I do listen to radio. But mostly this amp/receiver will broadcast digital TV, which will probably sound as good on a Sony receiver as it will on my Roksan amp. Any good 2 channel receivers anyone would recommend?

Or is there a remote solution I have overlooked? Any help/advice would be welcomed. Thanks in advance, irg

[markw]

First things first. Have you tried http://www.roksan.co.uk/ or http://www.kandyline.co.uk/ ?

Then again, I believe this brand/line was sold by http://www.audioadvisor.com. Can theu provide assistance?

Then again, if you are simply itching for the smell of new gear in your domicile, I can dig it. We can talk about that also. Been there...done that.. ;)

Enjoy...

[IRG]

First things first. Have you tried http://www.roksan.co.uk/ or http://www.kandyline.co.uk/ ?

Then again, I believe this brand/line was sold by http://www.audioadvisor.com. Can theu provide assistance?

Then again, if you are simply itching for the smell of new gear in your domicile, I can dig it. We can talk about that also. Been there...done that.. ;)

Enjoy...

Hey Mark,
Well of course I am itching for new gear! But I wouldn't mind if I can just buy a new remote and it doesn't cost much, I should probably go that route. Thanks for the link - for some reason I couldn't find it, but I didn't have much patience today. I wrote to the company, so we'll see what they say.

As for new gear, I would like a 4 channel receiver (which don't exist); 3 channels for the front, and a sub. I have seen at Crutchfield they have this Sony htib that has wireless rear speakers. That I would dig a lot. I have hardwood floors, so I really can't run wires everywhere. And I can't drill holes either.

I could stay 2 channel, but I do miss the surround thing, and the deep bass a sub provides. Plus a receiver would add the am/fm I would like, and I don't have room in my current setup to add an external tuner.

I wouldn't be adverse to changing my speakers either, and go with smaller things like Orb. Maybe even the Ascend Acoustics would be good.

What would you recommend for receivers? I am thinking Yamaha htr-5750, or a Sony DE 897 (forget the model) or the Pioneer 814 or 914 models.

Any 2 channel receivers worth it? Doesn't seem so. I like Sony to go with my other Sony gear. I know the DE line isn't well received here, but I think their past problems are just that. I have nothing but good luck with Sony. I like the auto calibration feature on the Yamaha and Pioneer, with the Yamaha being my first choice.

Take care, Ian