Video Asylum

• Re: 'transparent' HT - Estes 04:10:35 03/16/03 (4)
  In Reply to: Re: Adding 'transparent' HT to a nice 2-channel set-up posted by lowrider on March 15, 2003 at 03:13:36:

  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.
  
  

  ---

  • Processor possibilities... - JBC 08:07:00 03/16/03 (3)
    In Reply to: Re: 'transparent' HT posted by Estes on March 16, 2003 at 04:10:35:

    
    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
    
    

    ---

    • Re: Processor possibilities... - Estes 16:10:37 03/17/03 (2)
      In Reply to: Processor possibilities... posted by jbc on March 16, 2003 at 08:07:00:

      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.
      
      

      ---

      • Oops.... - JBC 07:58:21 03/18/03 (1)
        In Reply to: Re: Processor possibilities... posted by Estes on March 17, 2003 at 16:10:37:

        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
        
        

        ---

        • Re: Oops.... - Estes 15:41:58 03/18/03 (0)
          In Reply to: Oops.... posted by jbc on March 18, 2003 at 07:58:21:

          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.
          
          

          ---
• thanks - JBC 08:21:22 03/15/03 (2)
  In Reply to: Re: Adding 'transparent' HT to a nice 2-channel set-up posted by lowrider on March 15, 2003 at 03:13:36:

  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
  
  

  ---

  • Re: thanks - jk@home 17:33:18 03/17/03 (0)
    In Reply to: thanks posted by jbc on March 15, 2003 at 08:21:22:

    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
    
    

    ---
  • Re: thanks - Lowrider 10:03:01 03/15/03 (0)
    In Reply to: thanks posted by jbc on March 15, 2003 at 08:21:22:

    There isn´t that much difference between the "best" receivers, none has good enough power, at least for the front speakers...
    Antonio Melo Ribeiro
    
    

    ---

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Kimber Kable

---

[ Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]

---

[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]

---