Speakers for my Denon AVR-4306

[sj_carr]

Current setup:

Receiver: Denon AVR-4306
HDTV: Sony Bravia KDL-V40XBR1
STB DVR: SA 8300
DVD: JVC XV-S65

I have had the receiver two weeks. I did not yet invest in 5.1 or 7.1 speakers, but connected two pairs of stereo speakers that I have had for twenty years (but still sound fine) as follows:

Front Left and Right: Kef C Series C65
Surround Left and Right: Wharfdale Diamonds

I guess that makes it 4.0 or Quadriphonic !

Question is - will I notice a big difference if I upgrade to a real 5.1 or 7.1 system with subwoofer and center speaker. I was looking at Aperion 422/S8.

Most Cable TV appears not to use the surrounds even though the Denon display shows Dolby Digital.

Only movies appear to use the surrounds, and I would question what percent really use them to full effect.

 

[nova]

I'm not familiar with the speakers you have, but if you watch many movies or receive HD broadcasts with 5.1 DD you may find a good center and a sub make for a very noticable difference.

 

[3x10^8]

Simple answer, yes. You're missing out on a lot of sound and dialogue by not investing in a center. Get the matching KEF center and you're set. It's important to match those three up (L/C/R).

 

[sj_carr]

I don't think I'm missing any dialog - I already watched Revenge of the Sith - which has a great soundtrack using the surrounds. I wasn't missing any dialog - perhaps the Denon is smart enough to fix it and send it to the L&R

 

[3x10^8]

When I say "missing dialogue," I don't mean to imply that no sound is coming through. More than likely, all the sound is coming through each speaker equally in a 4-channel stereo. The whole point behind surround sound is that it is meant to create a sense of spatiality between yourself and the screen. For instance, the center channel is supposed to create the impression that the dialogue is jumping right of the screen (where people are talking).

Right now, although you have speakers surrounding the listener, you do not truly have surround sound, as each speaker is supposed to carry a distinct signal that is different than the other speaker. This is what you're missing, the individually encoded sound bits meant to be carried uniquely by each individual speaker. If you don't believe me, borrow (or purchase and return) a decent center channel speaker and subwoofer, get your receiver to play in Dolby Digital mode, and sit back and watch a movie. You'll notice an appreciable difference between before/after. Yet, to each his own... If you are satisfied with what you have now, why bother...

 

[Nick250]

I don't think I'm missing any dialog - I already watched Revenge of the Sith - which has a great soundtrack using the surrounds. I wasn't missing any dialog - perhaps the Denon is smart enough to fix it and send it to the L&R

As long as you sit in the sweet spot (midway between the left and right speakers) you have no need for a center speaker. You have what is called a "phantom center". As you have guessed the sound encoded for the for the center speaker is split evenly between the left and right front speakers. As long as you stay in the sweet spot you can not tell that there is no center speaker. However, move a few feet either way out of the sweet spot and the phantom center effect is much reduced. So if it is just you or perhaps one other person right next to each other you may be able to get away without a center. I would definitely get a sub though. It really takes the movie experience to another level IMO. As the other poster said you can get a center and try it and see if it's worth it you.

Edit: Unless it was only me watching the movies, I would get the appropriate center.

Nick

 

[sj_carr]

3x10^8: No I definitely have surround sound - the receiver is playing Dolby digital, and the speakers are definitely playing different channels.

I can tell because on Revenge of the Sith, the spaceships for example enter from behind left, and cross the soundstage to front right there is a distinct movement of the sound.

I think Nick250 has it right concerning the "phantom center".

A follow on question would be:

If I go for the Aperions for example, it would be better for movies, but will I be as happy with the music (classical) reproduction?

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker Options

SJ,
You have the makings for a great HT.
If you are open to internet direct, then check out the products from Axiom Audio and Onix (av123.com).

If you go with floorstander mains than the new system should satisfy your 2 channel music and HT requirments.

 

[agarwalro]

Electronics are evanescent but speakers can be forever. Dont rush into buying a complete, albeit, substandard speaker set. This is a situation if there ever was one, where patience and planning will pay off much more than immediate gratification.

I put my system together over a period of 2 years. The old amp went out a few weeks ago (hense the newest Denon), and this weeked the DVD player died (using the Xbox now). But the speakers sound just as good as when I first opended the package.

Hope this helps.