2-Channel to home Theater

I figured that I was happier watching movies with my 32" Wega and 2-channels of acceptable audio than on friends' setups with bigger screens and lower-grade multi-channel, was used to a certain level of performance for audio, and would be disappointed by less in a multi-channel rig.

Along those lines, I haven't heard a receiver (whether 2 channels or more) that impressed me) so when I expanded to 8 channels (with the subwoofer) I decided to stick with separates.

My (now ex) favorite "high end" shop was unable ("we're not setup for that" Compare and contrast with the treatment I got on my stereo purchases, where they left me alone to A/B my top choices and even offered to send the top contender or two home with me if I couldn't make up my mind) or unwilling to let me A/B processors with the same speakers, shop #2 was worse (they actually didn't have anything beyond a used EAD in stock, and could at best order me something with no audition period), so I figured that buying locally wasn't a viable option and decided to get something used of the internet where I could resell it without taking a loss if I wasn't happy with the performance.

Lexicon processors seem to get universally good reviews that read along the lines of "completely neutral" or "perhaps with a hint of tube smoothness", have the proprietary Logic 7 modes for 7.1 speaker setups that are at the top or perhaps tied by Meridian (more on this later), and are very affordable on the used market so I figured I'd try a DC-1. To put it bluntly, Logic-7 in a 7 speaker setup is a quantum improvement which is almost to standard THX 5.1 decoding as 5.1 is to 2-channel. It provides a surprising you-are-there impression, much better envelopment, seamless pans to the back surrounds, and pretty much lives up to all the positive hype that's been said about it. If you're going to upgrade, go the distance with Logic-7 or perhaps the Meridian equivalent.

In the amplification department, I picked up some inexpensive used stereo power amplifiers (Adcom, although what you like, what you have/can audition, and your budget will make your situation different) that I was famliar with because

1) I knew what they sounded like

2) On paper, stereo amps often look better than their multi-channel counterparts because their higher idle current suggests a lower chance of encountering cross-over distortion and the bigger power supplies + heat sinks can't be bad (I'm a professional geek, and don't stop being analytical when I leave my office)

3) Such amplifiers seem to depreciate much more than their multi-channel brethern.

For speakers, I decided that I loved my main speakers and didn't want to replace them. So, I tracked down a second pair of identical speakers to use as side surrounds, a center with the same drivers, and pair of bookshelf sized rear surrounds from the same line. I think the full-range fronts+sides are a good idea - with flat response down an octave below the cross-over point, integration is a lot cleaner. I also believe the matching center is essential. Before I got the matching center, I tried a newer model with a different tweeter, found that it didn't integrate well especially on modes with soft or no steering on the front 3 channels. Provided that I was most interested arround the sweet spot, I'd have skipped the center if I couldn't find a direct match.

Finally, I added a Citation 7.4 passive sub-woofer. It plays loud low (-3dB @ 21Hz). The price was very right (they're being closed out. Over 50% off for new-in-box). It isn't boomy, although it could be a bit more neutral (I have it corner loaded which excites all room modes, so I'm going to apply parametric equalization before I blame it on the sub and not the room). Fairly tight too. In room response is arround 110dB at 22Hz, which is sufficient for my listening levels and a lot better than many powered subs at twice the price.

If I did it over again, I'd do the same thing with the processor (but might consider $2000 for a DC-2 rather than the $1500 I ended up paying for my DC-1), speakers apart from the subwoofer, and amplification. I'd consider a passive radiator sub to get rid of the port noise (I don't know that this is audible with real material and not test tones) or perhaps a sealed enclosure for that and a bit more tightness.

HTH. As a tangent, I think that the requirements for home theater and stereo are the same: accuracy. That said, good HT starts with good 2-channel.

While you could separate them, why duplicate the thousands of dollars you've spent on speakers and amplification?

That is $1250 on the used market

Bwhite> The Conrad Johnson PFR preamp also has 2 line level outputs. This model was replaced by the 14LS. I have seen several for sale in the last 2 weeks. Usually around $1250, they are rated class A. I have one and am very satisfied with it.

Thanks for the responses -- The SF Line 1 actually has a theater pass-through. That was one of the reasons (bonus, really, more concerned with sound) I considered this model. I had looked at the CJ 14 for the same reason, but am getting a pretty good deal on the Line 1.

Abuck:

I think I am going to agree with the first suggestion. Get a nice, cost effective a/v receiver (an NAD preferably) and then with the center and rear channel speakers, run them through the receiver and your front L/R speakers?? Just run them through your Sonic Frontiers/Thorens preamp/amp setup. Before hooking up your center channel and rear channel speakers, run the receiver through the processor loop of your Sonic Frontiers preamp, that way when you just want to listen to music, you can switch off the receiver without effecting the sound quality of your 2 channel setup. You can always switch it back on when you want to watch a movie.

--Charles--

I know that the current model CJ preamps (14LS and 17LS) have external processor loop hookups, and the 17LS has a pair of line level outputs.

Can anyone suggest great 2 channel pre-amps with processor loop or HT bypass? Multiple line level outputs would be a plus.

Keep the two seperate if you can.

I also use a receiver to power my center,surrounds, bass/LFE port and provide digital processing and a tuner. Having a processor loop or HT bypass loop is helpfull because once engaged, all HT functions(setup,volume control, etc.) are controlled by the receiver and yous 2 channel setup is mearly an add-on 2 channel amp. powering the front two speakers. Works great.

Ditto on the receiver. Any model with outputs for the front channels will work. The downside is the rats nest of wires you will have when you hook this up. I have a set up like this and am thinking of getting rid of the receiver to simplify my system. 5.1 is great for the few movies that have great soundtracks, but for most films, a good two channel system is good enough.

I was going to reccomend EAD Encore processor but then read the review above and have to agree- just get a good reciever for the home theater and keep your left and right speakers as far away from your tv as you can, it will kill the sound staging of your speakers.

You could get a HT receiver and run it through the tape loop of the preamp. If you have a processor loop on your preamp that would be preferrable. Use the existing system for front L&R speakers. Use the HT reciever to run center and rears.