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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
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
vicdamone
850 posts
 
Yes and yes.

Unfortunately, I don't think your preamp has a theater bypass or unity gain outputs but check to make sure. This feature allows you to use the PA6i independent of the receiver for two channel listening.
frogman OP
7,409 posts
 
Actually, I just corresponded with John Wright, and he tells me that, as Islandmandan suggested, I could use the extra set of outputs on the PA6i as a passthrough as long as the preamp is turned on and is not playing any other source. Curious, as I thought it would have to be turned off, but he explained that when off or muted, the outputs are shorted to ground. It's an inconvenient setup either way as the PA6's volume is set via remote only, and it does not have a way to visually reset a particular volume setting. I am still looking at all the options. Thanks.
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Hi Frogman (and others who have responded),

I must admit that all of this leaves me totally confused.

How can the second set of outputs on the Meitner preamp provide any usefulness in this situation? The Meitner monoblock amps have to be driven by either the Meitner preamp (which presumably would give the best sonic results for two-channel listening) or by the A-V processor or receiver (at line level). The output of whichever of those two devices is not driving the power amps would have to be connected into an input of the device that is driving the power amps. In either case only one set of Meitner preamp outputs would be used.

Or is what is being envisioned connecting BOTH the A-V component and the Meitner preamp to the monoblocks, AND also connecting the Meitner preamp into the A-V component? Which wouldn't work properly, because when the A-V component is being used its output would be loaded by the low (47 ohm) output impedance the Meitner has when powered up and unmuted (or by a short to ground when powered down or muted, as you indicated). And for two-channel listening, having the output of the powered down A-V component and its cabling connected to the output of the Meitner preamp would not be a good idea either.

I do agree that unfortunately the lack of an easily repeatable means of resetting a specific volume on the Meitner preamp is a significant constraint on how the system can be configured.

Best regards,
-- Al
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