|   Upgrading from stereo to surround - HELP! | Long
May 18, 2001 6:29 AM | | Hi all,
I currently have the following:
Philips 32"
Arcam CD72, A75
B&W 603s2
Up till now, I've been quite happy with just 2 channel stereo via the A75. I want to explore the 5.1 route and I'll like some suggestions as what bits of kit I need. I'd like to be able to reuse the B&Ws cos I think they are awesome speakers. I would like to go the whole hog with a complete B&W speaker set-up but I doubt the other half will love me so much ;-)
Anyone recommend another way? I've got about 1200 UK pounds to spend on DVD/AV Amp and necessary speakers ... or maybe an all in one solution? |
| Why not | Bryan
May 18, 2001 7:00 AM | | Buy a another pair of 603s and the matching center? Afterwards, pick up the Onkyo TX-DS595 or 696 to complete the system. |
| Why not | Long
May 18, 2001 7:38 AM | | Yeh, that would be great, but its over my budget by quite a way!
Ideally I'd like the 601s2 and CC6 (?) centre ... however, I'm constrained by space AND as I said earlier, the wife-type is already complaining at how the 603s are already ruining the look of the room!
Arghhh ... they never understand do they? ;-)
Anyone got any comments about an all in one solution eg Denon AVF-100 (or whatever its called?)
Or indeed a decent DVD player and AV amp along with a flat speaker combo ? Again, any bits of kit you'd recommend in my price range?
TIA! |
| Okay | Bryan
May 18, 2001 7:59 AM | | Pick up the matching center for the 603s. Get a pair of 303s for the rear, Paradigm PDR-10 sub, and go with either choice for the receiver.
Or:
nOrh 4.0 package - $850US. Might cost a little more to the UK but the wife should be able to pick out the color she would like.
HSU VTF-2 sub - $500US. No clue on how much it goes for there.
Onkyo TX-DS595 - $400US through jandr.com
Panasonic RV-31 - $200US
All that should come close to the $1,200UK pounds that you are desiring, but the best bet is probably the first option. The main problem I forsee would be shipping costs, because I am unfamiliar with it. |
| I think Bryan means... | Josh Studrawa
May 18, 2001 7:54 AM | | To buy the equipment in two separate time frames. Though IMO, he's got it backwards. Buy the AVR first with a center channel. Then you get sorta surround (assuming the Arcam is 2channel only). Then when you can, buy the rears and a sub and you are set. DVD players are cheap (under 150UK), unless you want progressive scan.
I was just about to post how these guys tend to suggest "that little bit extra" when you shop. They know their stuff, I'll grant them that. If you have a budget, you've got a budget. You've got plenty of time to have "that whoop-ass system". Get decent now, and when you get that 5 bed-room house, relegate this stuff to your den. Until then, you should have NO problem upgrading within your 1200UK. Just remember, the buying NEVER stops. Upgrading is on-going, I'm still buying stuff after I told myself I was complete.
Anyway, good luck. And if you have to buy it in pieces, that's cool. Just make sure to shop around for best price as much as you can. |
| I think Bryan means... | Long
May 18, 2001 8:07 AM | | Thanks Josh - that makes a bit more sense!
Although one thing confused me? I'm new to all this HT stuff but why is getting a centre better than getting the rears first? :-|
Anyway, I think I'll head with a B&W centre, and then B&W rears/sub later but I'm still unsure about the AVR and DVD player i.e. specifically which ones will match my B&Ws. I heard Denon make decent AVRs/DVDs ... anyone care to to pick a few components for me please? :-) |
| Center first because... | igor
May 18, 2001 8:31 AM | | Generally the center piece is mor desireable, because the vast amount of dialogue in movies comes from the center channel. True, with most (maybe all) 5.1 receivers, you can setup a "phantom" mode which makes the dialogue come from the left and right mains. Some people prefer this, but the only way to really know, is to experiment yourself. My opinion is, the DOlby Digital/DTS tracks were recorded intentionally to be used with a center channel, and that's the way I think it sounds better.
Why the rear speakers aren't as important as the center/mains, is because they are still mostly used as special effects channels. Depending on the recording of the dvd, you will hear varying amounts of music/effects, etc. Action films they will be more noticeable. Other films, not that noticeable. If you watch a vcr tape/dolby pro logic they are often not even full frequency recorded tracks, hence they are lower quality sound.
Some people want to have all of their speakers to match, for that even timbre. I agree with the others that your center speaker should probably be a B&W of the same series. But for surround channels, you could use a different brand. Doesn't have to be ultra high quality at this point. Look for a speaker that might be wall mountable to make the wife happy.
As for receivers, the Denon 2801 is a good piece, as is the more expensive 3801 -- not sure what the UK prices are. I own the Onkyo 575x and really like it, though I wish I could add an external amp to it, but I can't. Have to upgrade to the new 696 model.
The newer Yamahas and Harmon Kardon also are making some high quality receivers. I think all of these models offer 5 channel stereo which is a nice option that you don't get with just 2 channel stereo.
And yes, at some point, you need to add a sub to truly take advantage of the .1 in the 5.1 Good luck. |
| Center first because... | Long
May 18, 2001 8:42 AM | | Thanks a lot guys - thats really been very educating.
I'm glad that I don't have to get some big boxes for the rears as I was veering towards some flat speakers so that they can be discretely mounted on the wall!
I'm off to do some more research on AudioReview and I'm pretty certain I can get ALL the gear I need within budget too!
Leaving out the sub for now, I think I'll see how low the 603s2 will go first :-)
Thanks again everyone. |
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