On 3 channel systems where you actually only have left/right/center, I have actually found that sound is worse when you remove the surround speakers from the configuration. What happens is that the surround channels are output to the front left/right speakers and cause an increase in perceived ambient sound. It also messes with imaging and the clarity of the center channel (ambient sounds become too much and too amplified and it becomes very difficult to hear/understand dialog). Enabling the surround speakers in the Oppo configuration will increase the general sound quality of your front stage, even though you don't have the surround speakers in your system.
Help with an AV processor
I am wanting to use this set-up primarily for television in a bedroom. Right now I can use it with Blu-Ray and Cds but not regular television. I believe I need a processor and a sub to complete my system so I need some guidance on which pieces to get. What should I spend, what features do I need, etc? New or used works for me. Any advice is appreciated. I'm really not very knowledgeable in this area. Here is my set-up so far:
Panasonic Plasma TV
Oppo-BDP-105D
No pre or AV processor
KEF center channel
KEF LS50 L+R
Parasound Halo A-31 3 channel amp.
Panasonic Plasma TV
Oppo-BDP-105D
No pre or AV processor
KEF center channel
KEF LS50 L+R
Parasound Halo A-31 3 channel amp.