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Surround speaker setup: disc player or processor?

My Ayre DX-5 DSD and Bryston SP3 processor both have menus for setting speaker size, distance, level, etc.  Which should I use?  If it's relevant to the question:  For surround the disc player sends 7.1 LPCM via HDMI to the processor.  The SP3 returns stereo to an Ayre KX-5 by-pass input, and sends surround to a pair of NAD C268 amps.  A passive Marchand high-pass fixed at 80 Hz 24 dB/octave sits between the KX-5 and VX-5 amp; an output from the KX-5 goes through a Velodyne bass manager set at 80 Hz 24 dB/octave to a pair of HGS-15 subs.  The SP3 is not used for stereo.
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6 responses Add your response
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
The Ayre DX-5 is a re-badged Oppo player that uses the stock Oppo DSP/HDMI/digital.  However, the Ayre only has stereo analog outputs.

The stock Oppo DSP configuration for speaker size/distance/level really only applies if it had 5.1 analog outputs.  As far as I know, these settings do not affect anything going over HDMI (i.e. 7.1 LPCM over HDMI). 

So I would use the speaker size/distance/level settings in the Bryston.  If you are playing stereo music, none of this makes any difference anyways.
imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,181 posts
 
@auxinput, +1
Setting the speaker size/distance/level settings in the Bryston.
Also like to add that since there a passive Marchand high-pass fixed at 80 Hz 24 dB/octave sits between the KX-5 and VX-5 amp, the front speakers size should set to full-range/large even if they’re small monitors.

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dbphd OP
1,628 posts
 
Thanks for the advice.  The front speakers, KEF Reference 1s, are set to large so the preamp sends full range to the bass manager.  If I decide to send LFE from the SP3 to a third HGS-15, I think I use what Bryston calls XTRA BASS in which full range is sent to front LR speakers in addition to LFE.

By the way, auxinput, my impression is that the DX-5 DSD is far more than a re-badged Oppo, although it is based on an Oppo chassis.  I have Oppo 95, 105D, and 205 that I think are terrific, but not in the same league as the DX-5 DSD.  For value, the Oppos are hard to beat.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
I meant nothing against the Ayre DX-5.  It uses the stock Oppo digital board (DSP/HDMI).  However, it has massively upgraded linear power supplies and Ayre's analog output stage for the left/right stereo outputs. 
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dbphd OP
1,628 posts
 
Following the advice I've received in this thread, I set the speakers using the Bryston SP3 menu, then played Blu-rays of Legends of Jazz and Mahler's 2nd with Chailly conducting at the Mahler festival in Leipzig, both in 5.1.  The sound was superb, with surround adding just a touch of ambience without being aware of any speakers, front or side.  Thanks, guys. 
beetlemania
834 posts
 
Rebadged Oppo? You have a different definition of that word. There aren’t more than a couple of high end manufacturers that build their own transports. Does that mean they’re all rebadged Sonys?
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