5.1 to 7.1 expansion

[Donovan]

Hi there, I'm quite a newbie as far as audio goes, but I have an important question.

First, let me explain. Last month I bought this 'package':
- Marantz A/V surround receiver (SR4500)
- Marantz DVD-player (DV4500)
- Infinity Oreus 5.1 speakers

Personally, I think movies sound absolutely great on this set, never thought it would make such a difference (had a Creative 5.1 set before this which is actually for the PC) and I want to buy an extra set of speakers to make it 7.1.

However, although CD's played on the DVD-player also sound great, I have also connected my PC to the set for playing MP3's, of which I have quite a lot (mostly 192kbps). Analog connection sounds fine, but the digital (coax as well as optical) for some reason sound somewhat cold and metallic.

Now here's the question, or rather questions: because I would like to use the digital connection to my PC AND expand to 7.1 I thought that maybe I could buy a set of full size (the Infinitys are 'bookshelf'-size speakers) frontal speakers to make the sound warmer.

- Would you guys advise doing this (different brand/type speakers)?
- Do I really have to use a center speaker that is of the same type as the left and right speakers or could I just buy a left and right speaker without center?
- Or should I stick with the Oreus' and just buy a set of those?
- Does anyone of you know why my digital connection to the PC sounds metallic?

Please advise me. I already spent a lot of money on the set and although I don't mind spending (a bit) more, I'd hate to make the wrong choice!

 

[tbewick]

I think that MP3's aren't really there for hi-fi, so they won't sound too good running on decent equipment. I don't see why a digital connection would sound any worse than an analog one, in fact you should get a lower level of noise using digital connections.

I'm using a different centre speaker (a Celestion) to my stereo speakers (B&W), and for the most part, they sound fine. This is the case on most DVD's I've watched because virtually all the speech is delivered from the centre speaker. The only problem is with Pro-Logic/NEO on stereo (non-surround mixed) sources, where the speech may be mixed to the left and right channels as well as to the centre, and a slight tonal mis-match is discernable (for this reason I just use stereo for these non Dolby Digital/DTS sources).

Having a centre does help to add much more punch to the sound. My system sounds better with the centre unit than without.

 

[Donovan]

Okay, thanks for your reply. I know, MP3's are of inferior quality for real audiophiles...

I don't mean I am not going to use a center speaker, since I already have one. I mean when I buy different front speakers should I buy a center speaker to go with it (putting the one I already have out of commission) or could I use the one I already have.

But according to you, this is possible... But I should put some effort into getting speakers that 'fit' with the Infintys.

Thanx again.

 

[Azz123]

Hi Donovan.

Not sure what program you use for playing and managing your MP3's though I use one called Musicmatch.

Have to say, since Ive gone to a decent receiver and speakers, I have noticed the reduced quality SUBSTANTIALY to that of CD, and even FM radio.

Ive been using a little program that I found called DFX - its a snapin/plugin that adds some dimension and post processing to the sound to increase the (?) quality of the MP3's. Have to say I believe its made a big difference to what is coming out of the speakers.

I believe this program works with a variety of players.
Have a look at dfx

Good Luck.

A

 

[Donovan]

That's right, with my new set even radio sounds better than MP3's! I don't think I will ever be able to listen to 128kbps MP3's, which I only listend to when I couldn't get a certain track in at least 192kbps. Sounds terrible now.

I use the Palmbutler system, which has a remote control to control the software, which is essentially a shell over Windows Media Player, RealAudio and WinDVD. I installed DFX and it works! The sound has definitely improved, but I'm going to have to play with it a little more to find out exactly how much. Thanx for the tip!

Could anyone out there give me some more feedback about the left and right speakers I want to buy? Can I use a different brand/type?