Adding Home Theater To 2 Channel System


I have a two channel system that I am very happy with located in a dedicated listening room.  I am considering how to add home theater without giving up the two channel sound that I enjoy.  My main speakers are Avantgarde UNO’s (horn speakers - 18 ohm, 108 db sensitivity). Avantgarde does not make a center channel speaker.  I assume that I will have a problem matching any box speaker center channel speaker with the Avantgarde - my worry is incoherent sound.  Is this something I should worry about?  Are there center channel speakers that might be a good match (I have been unable to find any obvious candidates ohm/sensitivity match)?  Is it likely that I will need to find a new set of front speakers from the same brand as the center speaker?

The rest of my setup: Pass Labs XA 60.8, Audio Research Ref 6 preamp, SME 20/2 turntable, Lumin x1 streamer, Ayon CD player, REL 812/S subs (2)
chilli42

Showing 1 response by mglik

You can do without a center channel but HT is carefully developed to have dialog specifically coming from a center. Because the frequencies sent to the center channel are relatively easy to produce so you can go with a very different design of speaker for center.
And quality or price is not critical-within reason.
A very interesting choice would be the MBL 111 single speaker currently for sale on AG. I think that is the model #. It is the small entry level one. It has been for sale for quite a while for about $2500.
Surely he should take a decent offer. That would be a super interesting center to combine with your Unos!
A completely separate system except for the Unos is best.
I don’t think it would be a problem to run additional speaker cables so that the Unos would have two pair of cables each.
Certainly, your choice of TH components depends on your wallet.
I have seen HT done with tubes but SS is most common.
Most important is to have the same amp for the RL and C. Best is a 5 channel amp and a good processor. What I would get is an older top line Meridian processor. You can pick one up for a fraction of their original price. Features will be more than you will need.
And getting an older pair of Meridian powered speakers would be great. Then you will need a 3 channel amp or 3 mono blocks.
I would get (unless you already have on) an OLED TV. Sony is best.
At least 65” but I would get a 75”. Going with projector and screen is tricky and probably double or more. A projector will give you about a 100” picture but not necessarily a sharper image.
In any HT, the processor is the most important and what you build your system around. For SQ and functionality, I love the Meridian. Especially since the older ones are still perfect for a basic 5.2 system. Think your subs can also take double cables but I think a Meridian also has two rca sub outs. I just want to emphasize that an older processor’s features will be all you need and more. The top line one is great but a G65 one can be had for about $1K (think the MSRP was over $5K!). It is also excellent. Mostly less features that you will not need.