2. home-theater
  3. 190110-176497

What is the Current Guidance on Stereo and AV Configurations

Hi,

I would really appreciate anyone's guidance and council on as to how you have your stereo and AV setups configured. I am particularly looking at the options from Primare as they seem to have a solution that can fit both use cases in a single system (SP25 Prisma + a35.8).

I have two primary questions:

  1. Knowing that perfection is never going to be achieved, can a single configuration be damned good enough for both use cases?
  2. How much of a difference does a center channel make for video?

 

My needs are best summed up as follows:

  • 80/20 use split (80 video (mostly streamed) and 20 music).
  • Currently running a NAIM integrated amp, paired with Vienna Acoustic speakers (simple, minimal and I like the sound, and the look, a lot).
  • My room space is open-plan, concrete floors and two walls of glass (yup -not exactly idea) and room treatment is going to be minimal. The two of us like the minimalist aesthetic.
  • IF the center channel makes enough difference I would like to flip between 2.0 (audio) and 3.0 (video) configurations.

 

Thank you.

kaizen28

Showing 5 responses by kaizen28

kaizen28 OP
5 posts
 

Soix, it's just the two of us so we're generally should be okay. We have however found that the mix is such that music significantly impairs the vocals. I take your point about the subwoofer but it may be a step too far for the aesthetics.

 

Pynkfloydd, yup, I'm using ARC into the NAIM today and that's my preferred choice moving forward. It's why the Prisma caught my eye. As for speakers, yes, we're open to upgrading them in time. Blade 2s are very, very pretty. 😏

kaizen28 OP
5 posts
 

I had absolutely zero idea bout HT Bypass. Does the AVR power the center channel?

kaizen28 OP
5 posts
 

Folks... decorum, please. This is a beautiful hobby that should bring enjoyment.

You have all provided me with a shedload of information about which I had no idea. For that, thank you! 🤩

Now it's off for the next phase... more research and listening!

Again, thank you all for your guidance and your feedback.

kaizen28 OP
5 posts
 

Having done a bit more digging.... how many "boxes" are you all typically using? This looks like a 2-box solution with an integrated amp and going up to insanity from there.

The one bit that I'm chewing on is that the AV Receiver is heavily underutilized if it's only driving the center speaker. So, I looked at monoblocks but that just adds so many pieces to the solution.

kaizen28 OP
5 posts
 

SOIX - don't worry about my existing setup. I'm evaluating where I need to go. This is line of thinking was started when I started to investigate 2-box solutions (like those from Primare) or a 3-box solution (NAD pre and amp paired with a Marantz).

Actually, this really started with the wife and I struggling with dialogue in Netflix, Amazon, etc. and wondering if a center channel would help.

Erik_Squires - This is hugely helpful. Thank you.

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