Stereo System - with center channel

[John Bailey]

I'm going to show my ignorance here, but I'm a die hard stereo listener who occasionally watches a movie with the sound through my stereo. As I've gotten older, I've noticed it's harder to hear the dialog on the few occasions that I watch a movie. I assume the center channel would give me the best dialog.

First question - Is there a way to run the center channel from a stereo receiver. I presently have an Onkyo stereo receiver and a Yamaha stereo receiver? I've had an NAD system in the past and will probably go back to that in the future - something like the C352 or C372 integrated.

Second question - If the stereo receiver won't do the job, what would be the best way to set up stereo with an occasional center channel. I would like to turn the center channel off when not watching movies. I have no interest in surround at this time.

Thanks for any input.

John

 

[markw]

Sorry, no

Even if you could, everythng would come out of the center channel, not just the dialog. For what you're asking, you need a separate center channel which can only be delivered by a HT receiver.

Your best bet is to simply face the misic (pun intended) and get a nice 5.1 channel HT receiver. These are designed specifically to feed the dialog that exists in movies to the center speaker. If you choose, you can easily configure the receiver to not HAVE to use the surround speakers.

And, you can easily choose between two channel for music and three channel for movies. It's not a "set it forever" situation.

And, if you wish, you can still maintain your NAD's as power amps (jf you choose a receiver with preamp outputs) but you can get some pretty fine HT receivers that can do well for music. You may want to see what NAD itself has to offer.

 

[wire]

I'm going to show my ignorance here, but I'm a die hard stereo listener who occasionally watches a movie with the sound through my stereo. As I've gotten older, I've noticed it's harder to hear the dialog on the few occasions that I watch a movie. I assume the center channel would give me the best dialog.

First question - Is there a way to run the center channel from a stereo receiver. I presently have an Onkyo stereo receiver and a Yamaha stereo receiver? I've had an NAD system in the past and will probably go back to that in the future - something like the C352 or C372 integrated.

Second question - If the stereo receiver won't do the job, what would be the best way to set up stereo with an occasional center channel. I would like to turn the center channel off when not watching movies. I have no interest in surround at this time.

Thanks for any input.

John

http://cgi.ebay.com/Carver-Sonic-Holography-Preamplifier-Tuner-CT-17_W0QQitemZ110281564621QQihZ001QQcategoryZ22636QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
And run 2 amps of your choice , 1 in stereo and 1 mono (for movies) only using 3 channels for movies and for music only use 2 channels . Its a very musical pre plus you get the Hologram for 2 channel music listining , or use something like that .
This amp looks like something you can use http://cgi.ebay.com/NAD-916-Multi-channel-Amp-amplifier-surround-sound_W0QQitemZ250285210620QQihZ015QQcategoryZ14973QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/CARVER-AV-64-Cathedral-Amplifier-Magnetic-Field-Power_W0QQitemZ170252203786QQihZ007QQcategoryZ14973QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[John Bailey]

Thanks for the advice. I looked at the specs on the Onkyo 805 and it says it is bi-amp capable for the fronts. Is this the same as "bridge" mode, or, is there simply a setting for stereo? In your opinion, would the 805 be sufficient for my use?

John

 

[markw]

Thanks for the advice. I looked at the specs on the Onkyo 805 and it says it is bi-amp capable for the fronts. Is this the same as "bridge" mode, or, is there simply a setting for stereo? In your opinion, would the 805 be sufficient for my use?

John

"Bridge" and "bi-amp" are two totally different concepts.

Wether or not you can "bi-amp" your speakers depends entirely on them. They must be made for it initially. From your description the 805 seems ready to handle this.

Forget about anything to do with "bridging" with your (and most other) receivers and integrateds. You might be able to "bridge" those NAD integrateds but, then again, that would depend on your speakers as well. Bridged amps don't like four ohm loads. And, remember "bridging" requires two amplifier channels for one "bridged" channel and you would need a matching "bridged" stereo power amp to go with those NAD Integrateds you mentioned.

And, it's hard to say if that 805 would be "sufficient" without even knowing what speakers you intend to be driving with it. As for all else, I'd say it's most likely a go, but if you really, really enjoy music you might want to look at the NAD HT receivers and get the best of both worlds.

 

[John Bailey]

Thanks again,

I've got a pretty good idea now what to look for. I looked at the NAD HT receivers and they look like a pretty good bet. I already know I like the NAD line, so I'll take a closer look at them.

John

 

[DD66000]

I see you didn't say what speakers you're using.
Although I prefer using a center for movies, if your speakers image properly and you have them setup to provide the best sound they can you should be getting a good phantom center and thus good dialog.

One thing to consider is that you can't just throw any ole center speaker into the mix and have it sound right. The center needs to match the timbre of the main speakers. Otherwise, as the sound moves across the front, say from L ~ C ~ R the timbre of that sound will change twice, with the odd ball being the center.

 

[John Bailey]

I see you didn't say what speakers you're using.
Although I prefer using a center for movies, if your speakers image properly and you have them setup to provide the best sound they can you should be getting a good phantom center and thus good dialog.

One thing to consider is that you can't just throw any ole center speaker into the mix and have it sound right. The center needs to match the timbre of the main speakers. Otherwise, as the sound moves across the front, say from L ~ C ~ R the timbre of that sound will change twice, with the odd ball being the center.

Right now I'm using Monitor Audio BR2's. I've always used stand mount speakers. I've tried many over the years and I always return to PSB, though I really like these Monitor Audios. I've decided to go to floorstanders and I'll probably start with the PBS t-45's or t-55's. If I can find some Stratus Silvers, I might try them. I had planned on getting the matching center channel. Who knows, with the switch to floorstanders, maybe I won't feel the need for the center channel. Never thought I was missing much until a few years ago and my hearing started to be less discerning.

 

[markw]

Truse me on this one.

Who knows, with the switch to floorstanders, maybe I won't feel the need for the center channel.

Yeah, you'll want a center channel. You might as well get it at the same time so you're assured as perfect a match as you can get.

Are you sure you don't want a small pair of surrounds?

 

[jostenmeat]

Thanks for the advice. I looked at the specs on the Onkyo 805 and it says it is bi-amp capable for the fronts. Is this the same as "bridge" mode, or, is there simply a setting for stereo? In your opinion, would the 805 be sufficient for my use?

John

Bi-amping is over-rated, and the 805 is plenty sufficient. The thing weighs well over 50 lbs, is Ultra rated (can handle at least 3.2 ohms), and to find a comparable power section elsewhere, you will probably have to pay twice as much, if not more.

Thanks again,

I've got a pretty good idea now what to look for. I looked at the NAD HT receivers and they look like a pretty good bet. I already know I like the NAD line, so I'll take a closer look at them. Also, the NADs do not have decoders for hi def codecs. AFAIK.

John

I like NAD. I have a NAD amp. I also used to have a pre of theirs. In my experience and forum wanderings, their other stuff is just not quite as reliable. The amps are beasts, OTOH. 2 ohm stable is typically the norm with them.

Right now I'm using Monitor Audio BR2's. I've always used stand mount speakers. I've tried many over the years and I always return to PSB, though I really like these Monitor Audios. I've decided to go to floorstanders and I'll probably start with the PBS t-45's or t-55's. If I can find some Stratus Silvers, I might try them. I had planned on getting the matching center channel. Who knows, with the switch to floorstanders, maybe I won't feel the need for the center channel. Never thought I was missing much until a few years ago and my hearing started to be less discerning.

I'm pretty familiar with both brands, as we've talked about before. IMO, depending on the exact models, they are much more similiar than dissimilar. I've heard only great things about the Synchrony line. I guess if its at no loss to you, change can be fun. But... if its going to cost you, I say sit tight. Gather enough cash to make a very significant upgrade.

I prefer Ascend speakers to both the entry models of MA and PSB, at similar price points. I've heard them in the same room as with MA BR towers. I never cranked the Ascends when listening to them, only with classical at moderate volumes. Another nice thing is that since they are ID, you can order three. An upright for your center will give you the best chances for clearer dialogue. Once you get just a bit off axis with a horizontal MTM... you are undoubtedly going to suffer. Anyways, my preliminary take on them, for one listening in one room is that they are fantastic with imaging and soundstage, but are somewhat inarticulate in the lower register.

Happy hunting. And make sure to hunt. The speakers are everything. (arguably).

 

[allargon]

Thanks for the advice. I looked at the specs on the Onkyo 805 and it says it is bi-amp capable for the fronts. Is this the same as "bridge" mode, or, is there simply a setting for stereo? In your opinion, would the 805 be sufficient for my use?

John, an 805 would be more than sufficient for your use unless you follow the anti-Onkyo crowd which states that the Denons and HK's are more musical.