Update: Spent most of the morning in Richer Sounds and tested the Onkyo unit which is absolutely brilliant for the money.
Tried it with the budget Wharfedale Diamond 9.0s, the Morduant Short Aviano-1XRs, and Wharfedale Diamond 10.1s.
The little Wharfs are great value at 60 quid, but were obviously limited, lacking a lot of mid range and deep bass. Probably fine with a sub or as part of a surround system, but sounded quite ‘budget’. Probably not much better than what comes with most complete mini setups.
The Morduant Shorts at £199 were lovely, really demonstrated the quality of the Onkyo with a CD and had an almost studio clarity. Really zingy in the mid range and a clear shrill treble. Almost too clean a sound for my taste.
So, I settled on the Diamond 10.1s. They have a really rich, velvety tone, far ‘warmer’ that the Morduants and gorgeous for low level background music.
I’ve just set the lot up, bi-wired, and it sounds superb. Total cost around £380, and it sounds easily as good as my separates. I’m seriously thinking about some of the 10.1 towers for home, they’re absolutely stunning.
So thanks for the advice, genuinely very helpful. I think I’ve got a far better setup than if I’d gone shopping blind.
Cheers chaps!