2. home-theater
  3. 190110-176497

What is the Current Guidance on Stereo and AV Configurations

Hi,

I would really appreciate anyone's guidance and council on as to how you have your stereo and AV setups configured. I am particularly looking at the options from Primare as they seem to have a solution that can fit both use cases in a single system (SP25 Prisma + a35.8).

I have two primary questions:

  1. Knowing that perfection is never going to be achieved, can a single configuration be damned good enough for both use cases?
  2. How much of a difference does a center channel make for video?

 

My needs are best summed up as follows:

  • 80/20 use split (80 video (mostly streamed) and 20 music).
  • Currently running a NAIM integrated amp, paired with Vienna Acoustic speakers (simple, minimal and I like the sound, and the look, a lot).
  • My room space is open-plan, concrete floors and two walls of glass (yup -not exactly idea) and room treatment is going to be minimal. The two of us like the minimalist aesthetic.
  • IF the center channel makes enough difference I would like to flip between 2.0 (audio) and 3.0 (video) configurations.

 

Thank you.

kaizen28
soix
10,488 posts
 

If you can both sit close to the sweet spot you might get away without a center speaker, but if anyone will be off center a center speaker is pretty much mandatory.  That aside, your biggest shortcoming for video/HT is not having a subwoofer, which will up the movie experience and involvement significantly.  

mikelavigne
2,245 posts
 

combo systems can work well and are real world solutions for sure.

personally i have two separate system in 2 different rooms. a dedicated 2 channel room and separate home theater with Dolby Atmos 9.3.6 speaker configuration. 

if you have questions about multi-channel speaker configuration here is the definitive guide for that from Trinnov, the experts.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qFpM5c9_n_0PU6EcW-J5qFvf4QDWqjg3/view

pynkfloydd
44 posts
 

I've ran an Atmos A/V system for years prior to separating my 2ch setup from home theater recently.  My A/V system is still very capable for music, but my needs have changed. 

 

To answer your questions:

  1. Yes, you can put together a world-class system that does it all.  Your restrictions are really only convenience, money, heat dissipation and space.
  2. Personally, I think adding rear channels or height channels for Atmos makes a bigger difference than 2ch versus 3ch.  Some speakers are better for this than others.  With full-range speakers, you can easily get away with 2ch.

 

Not sure if any if this is relevant for you, but a few observations:

  • There are a few A/V Receivers that come with XLR inputs and outputs.  The Yamaha RX-A8A is very solid and a great way to add a dedicated amp.  You can also add a dedicated DAC to its XLR inputs, if desired.
  • eARC implementations vary across manufacturers and bigger manufacturers will have better compatibility.
  • If you're ok with a 2ch setup with HDMI inputs, there are a few options, but not many.  NAD M66 comes to mind.  There are likely much more that will come out as the Chinese DAC manufacturers have even started adding eARC inputs (which is another configuration option).
  • If you're set on keeping your speakers, you'll likely achieve the biggest sound quality gain from adding in a good dedicated amplifier than spending more on a receiver/processor.

 

 

kaizen28 OP
5 posts
 

Soix, it's just the two of us so we're generally should be okay. We have however found that the mix is such that music significantly impairs the vocals. I take your point about the subwoofer but it may be a step too far for the aesthetics.

 

Pynkfloydd, yup, I'm using ARC into the NAIM today and that's my preferred choice moving forward. It's why the Prisma caught my eye. As for speakers, yes, we're open to upgrading them in time. Blade 2s are very, very pretty. 😏

soix
10,488 posts
 

We have however found that the mix is such that music significantly impairs the vocals.

I assume you mean that during movies the dialogue gets obscured?  If that’s the case then a center speaker could probably help.  If you’re looking at only a 3.0 system why are you looking at an 8-channel amplifier???  What specific speakers do you have, and does the Naim have a home theater bypass input?

More to discover