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In Reply to: HT newbie posted by rhatcher on May 24, 2000 at 07:59:25:
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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- Re: HT newbie - Jetsons 13:31:08 05/25/00 (0)
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