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First home theater. HELP

Hi guys,

Luddite that I am, I am in the process of putting together our first home theater setup, and could use some help. It's always been about two channel/analog for me, and I am way behind the times when it comes to video. I want to keep it as simple as possible, not too expensive, and want to use some of the gear that I now use as a second system in our weekend country get-away place. I am interested in a basic surround setup (5.1), for prerecorded movie playback only (DVD's, movie downloads , but no cable or network tv), and the kids' video games. The
system will be also used for two channel music listening, which is why I would like keep the current gear and hopefully simply (?) integrate the new video and additional audio gear.

The current sound system consists of Meitner PA6i preamp and Meitner 101 mono blocks, Totem Arro speakers and EAD transport and DAC. I will probably add a turntable to the system at some point, which is one of the reasons I want to keep the Meitner gear (good phono), as well as the fact that it sounds great with the Arro's, is small and looks great.

My thoughts so far are to add a Totem Dreamcatcher center, rears and subwoofer for 5.1 use, an appropriate 5.1 surround processor, and a Meitner MTR50 stereo amp for the rear channels. Video will probably be handled by a Panasonic or Samsung 60in plasma. First question:

Is there a good, reasonably priced surround preamp that has a "pass-through" feature so that I can use the Meitner pre for two channel music listening with minimal sound degradation? BTW, the Meitner has two sets of outputs for whatever that's worth.

I have no illusions about getting sound that comes anywhere near SOTA, but would like to enhance movie viewing, and retain the sound of the existing second system for music listening. I welcome any thoughts/suggestions re processor, speakers, set-up, etc.

Thanks in advance.
frogman
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
I wound up with a five channel amp, and a two channel amp. The two channel amp drives the two front channels. The five channel drives the center (bi-amped due to extra channels), and the surrounds. For two channel listening, I have a passive pre, with HT pass-through. I would think the extra out on your Meitner pre might suffice for a pass-through.

Enjoy!
Dan
sailcappy
57 posts
 
Your needs matched mine when I started out. I am very happy with my Arcam FMJ888 pre/pro. It's strength are:
1. Two Channel Audio with analogue stereo direct.
2. HDMI input for all your DVD decoding options including Dolby True HD. One cable in - one cable out.
3. Analogue inputs for Multi Channel
4. Tremendous amount of inputs for all your source needs including phono. I connect my kids WII to the system, computers etc.
The sound is excellent and the picture quality is supurb.
IMHO the Arcam is worth the investment as it just does what ever is asked. If you have other questions ask away!

I am using mono block amps for the front L&R and a three channel amp for the center and rears.
frogman OP
7,409 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys. OK, let me see if I am understanding this. I could use a HT receiver to do the processing and power the center and rears? So, the receiver would have the capability of sending a line level, processed signal to the left/right amplifiers for the mains, while at the same time sending a high-level processed signal directly to the center and rears? Please help me understand the hookup scheme. Thanks again.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
I have no illusions about getting sound that comes anywhere near SOTA, but would like to enhance movie viewing, and retain the sound of the existing second system for music listening. I welcome any thoughts/suggestions re processor, speakers, set-up, etc.

You may be surprised....a lot! (Especially if you are digital centric in your program material).

Find any pre-pro with Audyssey XT32 Pro (I use an Onkyo in my music only 2.2 main system). These are available from Onkyo, Integra, Marantz, NAD and Denon, and tend to cluster between $1500 and $2500, tho some go much higher. Audyssey will calculate and implement a digital domain x-over between your Arrow mains and the new subwoofers. It will also provide room correction which, IME, cleans up bass response in a startling way.

I found the performance so impressive in my HT room that I ended up effectively ditching my all traditional high-end electronics (ARC, Joule, Cary, PrimaLuna, et. al.) for Onkyo electronics. I'm 100% certain that not everyone will follow suit, but you might want to remain open minded. A room corrected, seamlessly integrated full range sub/main system can become really addictive.

Good Luck,

Marty
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Oops....I don't think Marantz offers XT32 - only the lower end versions of Audyssey. My bad.

BTW, XT32 is available in AVRs from the same group listed above, except Marantz.

Marty
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