3.1 channel audiophile setup for music and movies


Does anyone have experience with a 3.1 channel setup for both music and movies? I'd like to be able to use my JMR Bliss Silver monitors for both music and movies, but finding a "simple" amp setup so I can listen to music in stereo, and then use a center speaker and sub for films when I want to is proving difficult. I'm trying to avoid having lots of components to deal with. Is there an audiophile amp/preamp or integrated amp setup that could be used without needing a separate AV receiver? Right now I use my Bliss speakers connected to a Bel Canto C5i for both music or movies (C5i is connected to my TV with an optical cable, and also connected by RCA cables to a Bluesound Node 2). It sounds great for music and pretty good for movies, but was hoping to be able to add a center and subwoofer to enhance the movie experience. I don't have any desire to convert to a 5.1 or higher setup, I like the simplicity of having less. Any suggestions/insights are much appreciated. 
jfarkash

Showing 2 responses by lalitk

If simplicity is your goal and then nothing (IMHO) can come close to SONOS Playbar and Subwoofer setup. I have this setup in 2 out of 4 rooms in my home.  

The sound on both movies and music, convenience and ability to stream unlimited music (through Tidal) is simply amazing. 

@jfarkash, 

In addition to great sound, it's the simplest setup I have seen. You just need one toslink cable that goes between playbar and your TV. Rest is all wireless :-)

SONOS does supply a 'cheap' toslink cable but I would use a quality cable like, Analysis Plus or DH Labs.