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Dear Folks:I'm toying with the idea of 'adding' channels to my current 2-channel set-up. The thing is, I don't want to mess with the 2-channel set-up at all - I've invested a fair amount of time and resources in getting it the way I like it. Also, I'd like to keep the major expenditures to improving 2-channel sound... so I don't want to break the bank adding HT.
So, the short version of the long story is that I need to add the following:
1. A reasonable 5.1 decoder with pre-outs for the L/R channels (which can pass through my pre-amp with unity gain).
2. Power channels for the center and rear channels.
3. A center speaker, and surround speakers.
4. A sub.I'd likely go with the Linn Trikan center, because that matches my ninka main speakers.
My dealer suggested the Arcam AVR200 receiver. It seems that there aren't many reasonably priced decoders and 3-channel amps. Does this seem like a reasonable choice?
How about surround speakers, is it better to go with direct radiators or dipole-type speakers?
Any advice or opinions are welcome.
In the world of 2-channel, I know what I'm doing.... with 5-channels I don't.
Best regards,
JBC
Follow Ups:
If you want "perfect" get a separate processor, there are reasonable priced ones now, Rotel, maybe Outlaw, (I donīt know the US market), plus a 3 channel Linn power...If you want budget, one Marantz 4300 will do it all and has pre-out to connect to your stereo and use it for the front channels, I am not sure you will gain much with the Arcam...
If you have room to place the surround speakers not too close, get direct radiating surround speakers to match yours...
Antonio Melo Ribeiro
I agree with Lowrider. The best way is to get a seperate pre-processor and a 3 channel amp. Rotel, B&K, Outlaw all make decent stuff, without breaking the bank. You can pick up a used Acurus 3channel on the net. In terms of speakers, I also agree that Linn center is the way to go. For the rears, I would find something reasonable; say a small used 2 way. I don't like the effect of dipoles and would suggest you setup the rears in the same way you set up the fronts. Also get a test DVD and a sound pressure meter from Rat Shack. It will help set up the levels, so that it sounds better.
I guess what I could do is pick up another LK85 - the same stereo pre-amp that I'm using to bi-amp my main speakers actively (there's a lot of them used on Audiogon). Then I could even get an active crossover card for the Linn center channel speaker, and use both channels of the LK85 to power the center.Then I'd have the same type of amplification 'across the front'.
Of course, if I went with a processor rather than a receiver, I'd need a second stereo amp for the surrounds.
Hmmm. So many possibilities.
Thanks for the feedback.
JBC
Getting a seperate preamp for the center is needlessly complicated. In a HT system, sound takes a back seat to picture. Basically you want a HT system that does NOT affect 2 channel sound quality, and has decent sound. Thus my suggestion, processor/ 3 channel amp will work fine (that is what I use). Also, with a reciever, you could use it to power the centre and rears and use the PRE AMP Outs to go to your 2 channel preamp. The main thing is to try and keep it simple. The more electronics you put in, the worse it will sound.
Hi Estes:Thanks for the feedback. I actually made a typo - the LK85 is a power amp - not a pre-amp... and, yes, I agree with you, a separate pre-amp for the center channel would be a waste.
I think what I'll try first is the Arcam receiver. It's one of the few HT receivers I've found that can provide enough current for a 4 ohm speaker, and it doesn't sound too strained doing it. Of course, it would have more than enough juice for the surrounds.
If, at that point, I find that the center channel sounds strained, then I can chuck in an LK85 power amp to power the center. Though, I strongly suspect, once I have the 5-channels, I'll decide enough is enough, and I'll focus my efforts once again on 2-channel sound.
There. That makes sense.
Cheers,
JBC
Okely Dokey! If you set the centre for "small" (i.e., nothing below 50 Hz) I don't think you will overload a decent center speaker. The Arcam will be quite good and I am sure you will be happy.
Cheers.Thanks for the reply.
The matching center channel seems to be something I should get for sure... the type of amplification, I'm not so sure about.
Several people have suggested Marantz - so maybe I'd better go check them out. To be honest, I haven't done much listening to different brands of receivers, other than that, compared to the Arcam, I've generally found Denon receivers to be a little cold and bright.
Best regards,
Jason
The little Marantz mono amps are decent for the money ( I'm running a MA500 for my center.) Said to have a slightly rolled off high end, which is good for HT. Not sure if they are still available new
There isnīt that much difference between the "best" receivers, none has good enough power, at least for the front speakers...
Antonio Melo Ribeiro
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