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I've been an audiophile for most of my adult life and I have put together a very satisfying audio only system. I have thus far had no interest in HT as I am an avid music listener but only occassionally do I watch movies at home...preferring instead to go to real theaters. However, I am now considering at least adapting my audio only system to HT if not going all the way. I currently have an ARC LS-15 preamp, Totem Model 1 speakers, and a Genesis 12in powered subwoofer. My listening room precludes the placement of surround speakers but I would probably consider adding a center channel speaker if it is recommended. I already have good main and subwoofer speakers, and a powerful solid state amp. I plan to purchase a DVD player. My question: What do I need to obtain basic HT features? I know that I can run my TV directly through my preamp to take advantage of the stereo sound system but that is not HT...What will make it HT and how big of an improvement will it be over regular stereo hifi sound? What features should I get on my DVD player that are necessary for a basic HT setup. I have seen DVD players that have "spacelizer"? circuitry that supposedly simulates HT sound. Has anyone heard this and if so would this be a good option?Again, my main interest is in maintaining my audio only system. I am not looking for a super high end HT setup...just something that will make my movies sound a little better. I would appreciate your opinions and suggestions.
Randy
I recently ditched my old pro logic receiver to upgrade to seperates. I am now running strictly 2 channel audio for music and HT duties. All I can tell you is that I really miss the surround capabilities that I once had. The information that was coming from four channels (pro logic surrounds are mono) is now coming from two. There is no comparison between the two. My intention is to re-build what I have and eventually re-aquire surround capability. The difference in movie viewing is very real. The center channel is a must have. The surrounds IMO are a must have. The LFE subwoofer (and a good one) is a must have. They are all designed to work together and anything less is a compromise. The only way you can get away with no center is if you are watching solo. You really need to be dead center in the sweet spot to get a good center image. For fellow viewers the sound is not nearly as convincing. HTH -CJB
Hi ratcher:I will give this a shot.
First, full blown AC-3 HT requires five speakers, preferably all the same model for optimal timbre matching, sub, DD decoders and DTS if that is a preference. If your preamp had six channel inputs, it would be simple to connect a DVD player with built in decoders to those inputs. The DVD player would perform all decoding functions.
Should your preamp not have the required inputs, it may be more difficult. In this situation it may be easiest to purchase a reasonably priced receiver which will contain all the required decoding chips and preouts for external amplification if required. The receivers will also have the required bass management utilities to optimally set up the speakers. Quality and reasonably priced receivers would include the Denon 3300 (MSRP $999.00, street is $850.00) and the Marantz SR 7000 which stickers for $700.00. The preouts can be used to connect your amp to drive the mains and the receiver can power the center and rears.
With regard to DVD players, there are quality models from Pioneer and Toshiba for example, with and without AC-3 and DTS decoders. Without the decoders, these units are available for $300.00 and less depending on the source. Decoder equiped units will cost a bit more but good values are relatively easy to obtain, specially from the Toshiba models.
On to the speaks. Several audiophiles here have commented that they were not impressed with the performance of the all important center channel speaker. In DD, the center is probably the mosr important speaker as it handles all voices and much of the background sound. It is very important that the center be timbre matched to the mains so you can have a seamless front stage. It is amazing how little material is actually processed through the mains if the center is disconnected. I believe that the problem with most center speaks is that their designs are one big compromise so that it neatly fits on top of a TV. You might try fanthom mode initially (ie: receiver will route all the center's material to the mains when the no center setting is selected).
The rears are easy enough. They should also be timbre matched to your mains but not nearly as critical as the center, IMO. The rears should be posisitioned to the sides of the listening position and approx. 3' about the listeners' heads. Rears are very important as they produce the effects which allow the viewer feel as though they are in the center of the action. The rears may also be positioned against the ceiling and pointing downward to the listening position if there is no other way. For good info on positioning of rears and DD, you might refer to http://www.dolby.com.
Sorry about all the rambling but I hope this helps you a bit.
Regards,
Jetsons
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