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Splicing on a HT to 2channel system, best approach

On 8/18/05 I started a thread asking which center channel speaker should I use between my Vienna Acoustics Mahler speakers to begin putting together a 5.1 home theater system.

This is my current 2 channel system:

System components:
CD Player, Meridian 588
Preamp, Jeff Rowland synergy 2i
Poweramp, Classe CAM 350 monoblocks
Speakers, VA Mahlers
DVD Player, Sony DSP9000ES
Piano DLP Projector
Daylite 7' front screen

I am now asking a broader question and seek guidance as to what approach I should take in systematically "splicing on" the rest of the 5.1 HT equipment. I cannot afford to purchase everything at the same time. My 2 channel system will stay pure and not go through the processor.

Question: In what order should I buy the necessay equipment to get the best impact in the movie experience for the dollars spent?

For example I could buy a processor, then subwoofer, then center channel speaker, then L/R rear speakers.

Or I could...........any help would be most welcome.

Thanks
hank

Showing 1 response by jmcgrogan2

jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I'll second Mattkimb96's response. It depends on your music/HT listening is split and your bank account. I lean much more to music than HT, say a 90/10 split. I own Vienna Acoustics Strauss speakers with Haydn rears. I'm currently running with a phantom center, and prefer that to when I owned a VA Maestro center channel. I think the Strauss image so well that the center channel was unnecessary in my case. I've downgraded through the pre/pro's over the years, choosing to invest more $$$ into stereo, and less into HT. So I'm currently using a Denon receiver for my HT needs, with a Mirage BPS-400 subwoofer. The Denon receiver only provides the power to the rear speakers. I use the FR & FL preamp outputs from the Denon into an input on my BAT VK-51SE preamp, thus using my BAT VK-600SE to power the Strauss speakers as my FR & FL. Set the Denon receiver for 'no center' and the center info is passed through the FR & FL.

This does HT plenty well for me, and I don't miss all the fancy pre/pro's and multi-channel amps. Music however sounds MUCH better. That being said, if HT means more to you than to me, say more like a 50/50 split, you may want to spend more on the HT end.

My recommendation in order of importance, pre/pro and amp or reciever first, subwoofer second, rear speakers third, and center channel last.

As for matching center, I would go with at least a Maestro, should you decide you 'need' one, and if you're feeling extra wealthy, spring for the Oratorio.

Good luck, and have fun.

Cheers,
John
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