2. home-theater
  3. 1036905550

How to improve 2-channel performance in HT rig?

Hi all . . ..

I just "finished" upgrading my HT system, and I'm pretty happy with the way it sounds for movies. However, a funny thing happened during the upgrade -- my 2-channel performance actually became good enough to be enjoyable. I had planned on using the system for purely home theater, and using my headphone system (ASL MG Head OTL, Music Hall CD-25, and Senn 600's) to listen to music. However, I find that I now enjoy the home theater system more than the headphone system, so now the inevitable "I want to enjoy it MORE" kicks in, so . . . .

Sony DVPS-9000ES DVD/CD/SACD
Lexicon DC-1 pre/pro
Rotel RB981 (130w x 2)
NHT 2.3A floorstanders
NHT SW2P subwoofer/amp combo
Signal Cable Analog One interconnects
Signal Cable Speaker Cable
Monster Cable HTS-2500 MKII power conditioner (Rotel is plugged directly into the wall, tho)

Plus six other NHT speakers and a Rotel 985 that aren't used for 2-channel playback.

What would be the best next upgrade to make? My suspicion, based on comments I've heard, is that I need to get the Lexicon out of the 2-channel signal path and replace it with a really nice, musical 2-channel preamp with a HT passthrough. But there are other possibilities -- add an outboard DAC, for example, or upgrade the amp driving the main speakers, or upgrade the main speakers, for that matter . . . . Aagggh! ;-0)

Eventually, I'd like to do all those things, but an upgrade of many thousands of dollars starts with a single step, so . . . .

I'm pretty happy with the soundstaging now (speakers are set up about 8' apart with about 3' to the side walls for each, about 4' to the rear wall and about 8' from the listening position, and about a foot out in front of the 51" TV), but I think the imaging could be improved, and I'd really like more richness, liquidity, and body to female vocals (Eva Cassidy, for example). The vocals and instruments have a presence, now, but still sound more "recorded" than "real."

(Of course, they ARE recorded, but what is audiophilia if not tilting at sonic reproduction windmills? ;-0) )

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

Pat
tsrart
tsrart OP
79 posts
 
Carlabarla --

I just ordered a 2-channel passive preamp from Channel Islands to replace the Lexicon in the 2-channel signal path -- I'll let you know how that turns out.

You mentioned in your other post, though, that you were using an inexpensive Sony DVD player -- if that's the case, you will definitely want to upgrade that. Of the things I'm trying to "fix" in my system, brightness isn't really one of them -- but I'm using the Sony 9000ES, which The Absolute Sound ranked as competitive with any sub-$2000 player for Redbook CD playback.

I've been living with NHTs for a number of years, and they are merciless to inexpensive electronics. When I was using my Pioneer Elite CLD-59 as a CD player, I had to use a tube amp (Jolida SJ-202A) to make NHTs listenable, and even then some CDs still sounded unpleasant.
tsrart OP
79 posts
 
Carlabarla --

Another thought for you . . . . I don't know what the VT2.4s are like, but I know my 2.3As benefitted significantly from being raised up about 8 inches off the floor, so that the tweeters are level with my ears when seated. Doing that improved the soundstage depth, and made vocals recess slightly back into that increased soundstage so that they didn't sound "in your face" any more.
carlabarla
16 posts
 
The 2.4's are pretty tall and the tweeters are generally slightly above my listening position already. Thanks for the suggestions and let me know how the passive preamp works out.
tsrart OP
79 posts
 
The passive pre is supposed to be here on Dec. 2 ((!($*!_$*!$ UPS! TWELVE days from CA to PA?????)

I'll let you know how it works out . . . .

Pat
tsrart OP
79 posts
 
The passive pre is here and installed -- makes a BIG difference. The sound is much more detailed without the Lexicon in the chain, and vocals are a little more rounded with better weight. Bass is about the same, which is good since I was happy with it already.

I highly recommend that anyone looking to improve 2-channel performance in a theater system give it a shot -- the passive even makes integration a snap, since all you have to do is turn it the whole way up and it "disappears," allowing your HT pre/pro to control the volume.
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