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
audio_guy_uofw
55 posts
 

+1 That you need a centre channel....for video, it is the single most important channel...almost all dialog is routed through the centre.

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
2,023 posts
 

If 2 channel is your priority, as it is for most people here, then just set up your 2 channel as you want it.  You'll need an extra Preamp In connection on your amp or preamp.  I have a second pre-in on my amp.

Buy a nice AV amp with as many channels as you want.  I recommend the Marantz cinema 50 but you may want something nicer or less nice.  Run the preamp out for the front 2 channels to the extra input on your 2 channel system.  Switch to that input and adjust the volume.  presto. 

Jerry

tony1954's avatar
tony1954
1,194 posts
 

I had the same problem and there is only one proper solution, but like me it may require you to purchase new equipment (AVR and integrated amp) that have the required inputs.

The AVR will need to be able to "pre-out" the front channels separately and the integrated (or preamp) must have a "home theatre bypass".

Once setup this will allow the AVR to use the integrated to power the front channels, while still allowing you to use the speakers in a two channel setup.

In my setup the only connection between the "home theatre" and my two channel setup is one interconnect cable.

If you need to find an amp with HT bypass, this site will help.

 

kaizen28 OP
5 posts
 

I had absolutely zero idea bout HT Bypass. Does the AVR power the center channel?

mswale
187 posts
 

For HT the center channel does 80% of the work, it is extremely important. 

Most higher end HT receivers will let you do zones, you can setup a HT setup, then have a 2ch on the other zone. 

Mine is a 7.2.4 setup, all matching speakers. Movies are sometimes better than going to the theater. But it's always lacking in music. Unless it is put into "all channel stereo"  But it becomes fatiguing pretty quickly, and best for making noise through the entire house. 

Since I listen to music 80% of the time, my living room was turned into a 2ch room with vintage analog setup, and the family room has the all digital setup. They are both incredible at what they do. 

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