HT is also designed to be backwards compatible. That is just how it works.
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)
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)
Showing 3 responses by millercarbon
A screen is the best way to go. If you really want the least possible compromise use an acoustically transparent screen, one designed to have speakers behind it. This way you can put whatever acoustic panel you want behind the screen and it will still work. Or for more money a powered screen you can raise and lower, but those come with their own set of problems. In any case, done right you will wind up with four subs in a DBA and this alone will elevate your stereo like you won't believe. |
Don't do it. Doesn't your stereo image well? So what do you need a center channel for? Don't you have a wide expansive sound stage? The worst thing you can do to a fine system like yours is add a surround processor, of any kind. Any price. Does not matter. Instant 20% drop in system sound quality, even when listening to music in stereo. The movie sound field will be worse than in stereo. All you gain is some cheesy surround effects, that never will be anything like the holographic seamless organic world you can get from stereo. Not for lack of trying. I tried nearly two years. Two wasted years. I say wasted, because instead of anyone learning from this they all go and repeat the same mistakes. Build a whole new room if you must. Put a screen between your speakers. Anything but add HT dreck to an otherwise perfectly good stereo. https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8367 |