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    What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?

    Water Closet
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    • jmooreJ
      jmoore @scottalanmiller
      last edited by

      @scottalanmiller said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

      @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

      @scottalanmiller said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

      @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

      @scottalanmiller said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

      @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

      @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

      @rojoloco said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

      @jmoore but he would need 3 of those amps to have surround sound, assuming a powered sub.

      Not to mention what the power drain might be from all of that. Granted it could be very close to what I have today for power use.. I'm not entirely sure.

      But 4 powersupplies vs one, I expect some inefficiencies to make 4 require more more even if all other things are equal - but I do leave the possibility that these are so much more efficient vs my Pioneer to make it negligible.

      no no, i missed surround sound requirements, my fault. no reason to have that many amps. just go up until you find the amp that covers your needs. i thought you already had speakers too

      I have five monoblocks in case I use them for surround sound 🙂

      that certainly works and would sound great

      It does a good job. Used to have a full B&W system too, back before they went consumer.

      b&w was good stuff too

      Nothing compared to my Totems, though.

      who makes your totems, i'm not familiar with them?

      scottalanmillerS 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • scottalanmillerS
        scottalanmiller @Dashrender
        last edited by

        @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

        @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

        Someday I want a Rotel system, that stuff is unbelievable. It changes people who don't care about music to people who can't live without it

        lol - I've heard some damned good system, though because I am not a music person, I didn't bother learning the names of the gear. i.e. I heard good stuff, yet I can still live with out 😛

        Then how do you define it as good stuff? 😉

        In all seriousness, though, what's the criteria for thinking it was good? I've done loads and loads of listening tests, it's a big thing to do. There is no casual listening for hi fi. I'm not saying you didn't, but it's such a big undertaking and almost no one has serious systems for you to listen to. Did you go to a specialty dealer and ask for a lesson in evaluating hi fi systems?

        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • scottalanmillerS
          scottalanmiller @jmoore
          last edited by

          @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

          @scottalanmiller said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

          @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

          @scottalanmiller said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

          @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

          @scottalanmiller said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

          @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

          @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

          @rojoloco said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

          @jmoore but he would need 3 of those amps to have surround sound, assuming a powered sub.

          Not to mention what the power drain might be from all of that. Granted it could be very close to what I have today for power use.. I'm not entirely sure.

          But 4 powersupplies vs one, I expect some inefficiencies to make 4 require more more even if all other things are equal - but I do leave the possibility that these are so much more efficient vs my Pioneer to make it negligible.

          no no, i missed surround sound requirements, my fault. no reason to have that many amps. just go up until you find the amp that covers your needs. i thought you already had speakers too

          I have five monoblocks in case I use them for surround sound 🙂

          that certainly works and would sound great

          It does a good job. Used to have a full B&W system too, back before they went consumer.

          b&w was good stuff too

          Nothing compared to my Totems, though.

          who makes your totems, i'm not familiar with them?

          Totem makes them. Hand made speaker vendor from Montreal.

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • scottalanmillerS
            scottalanmiller
            last edited by

            https://totemacoustic.com/en/

            jmooreJ 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • scottalanmillerS
              scottalanmiller @jmoore
              last edited by

              @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

              @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

              @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

              @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

              @rojoloco said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

              @dashrender They have a 5 channel amp that's 499. That would knock out the amp side, but I think your needs would be easily met by a simple, all-in-one AV receiver.

              So is there any real benefit to using a $600 processor and a $500 amp at this level compared to my $600 receiver?

              Also, what is the life expectancy from either the processor or the amp?

              the benefit will be better sound and longer lasting equipment. when you bunch everything up together in a receiver you will get 5-10 years from them on average because of all the heat. with separate components you will get double and longer. I have a friend who has Mcintosh and those must be approaching 30-40 years by now and still work great. receivers just don't last that long because of the heat build up

              Not exactly a fair comparison with Mcintosh there. 😉

              I got 10 years out of my last receiver, and I replaced it not because it failed, but because I wanted/needed 4K passthrough. Heck come to think of it, I have a 20+ year old Pioneer receiver in the garage running that setup just fine.

              If, if I was an audiophile splitting this stuff out (even at the higher cost) would likely be valuable because I could retain the value of the less frequently swapped parts (amps, etc), while only swapping the parts that frequently get updated (processor).

              But as mentioned, my receiver cost $600. That's it, one and done. The above listed processor alone is $600, then we tossed in $1600 for amps - trashing the listed $1500 budget.

              Considering my needs, it's not providing real value to me personally. Those more into audio than I, Please enjoy the benefits of splitting those things out.

              Understand that, its hardly ever fair when comparing against a Mcintosh. Anyway when i get time I will post again now that I know your requirements better.

              I consider McIntosh a gateway product. Good stuff, but on the low end of hi fi mostly. Well known like stuff at Best Buy almost. Not quite, but in that range.

              jmooreJ 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • jmooreJ
                jmoore @scottalanmiller
                last edited by

                @scottalanmiller said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                https://totemacoustic.com/en/

                cool i will check them out

                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • jmooreJ
                  jmoore @scottalanmiller
                  last edited by

                  @scottalanmiller said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                  @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                  @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                  @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                  @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                  @rojoloco said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                  @dashrender They have a 5 channel amp that's 499. That would knock out the amp side, but I think your needs would be easily met by a simple, all-in-one AV receiver.

                  So is there any real benefit to using a $600 processor and a $500 amp at this level compared to my $600 receiver?

                  Also, what is the life expectancy from either the processor or the amp?

                  the benefit will be better sound and longer lasting equipment. when you bunch everything up together in a receiver you will get 5-10 years from them on average because of all the heat. with separate components you will get double and longer. I have a friend who has Mcintosh and those must be approaching 30-40 years by now and still work great. receivers just don't last that long because of the heat build up

                  Not exactly a fair comparison with Mcintosh there. 😉

                  I got 10 years out of my last receiver, and I replaced it not because it failed, but because I wanted/needed 4K passthrough. Heck come to think of it, I have a 20+ year old Pioneer receiver in the garage running that setup just fine.

                  If, if I was an audiophile splitting this stuff out (even at the higher cost) would likely be valuable because I could retain the value of the less frequently swapped parts (amps, etc), while only swapping the parts that frequently get updated (processor).

                  But as mentioned, my receiver cost $600. That's it, one and done. The above listed processor alone is $600, then we tossed in $1600 for amps - trashing the listed $1500 budget.

                  Considering my needs, it's not providing real value to me personally. Those more into audio than I, Please enjoy the benefits of splitting those things out.

                  Understand that, its hardly ever fair when comparing against a Mcintosh. Anyway when i get time I will post again now that I know your requirements better.

                  I consider McIntosh a gateway product. Good stuff, but on the low end of hi fi mostly. Well known like stuff at Best Buy almost. Not quite, but in that range.

                  we may not be talking about the same company then. back in the 70's and 80's this stuff cost thousands for a single piece

                  DashrenderD scottalanmillerS 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • RojoLocoR
                    RojoLoco @scottalanmiller
                    last edited by

                    @scottalanmiller said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                    Simple surround sound improvement tip... if you don't need it due to crappy seating, simply remove the center speaker for improved sound quality. The extra center channel is the biggest source of audio quality loss in those setups.

                    Well.... it's a detriment to 2 channel music. I would recommend getting a center channel that is a grade or two better than the other speakers, because that's where the dialog comes out when you're watching TV/movies. Placement is still key, so it depends on the seating arrangement as Scott said. But if you can mount all the speakers in the "right" places, a good center channel will improve things greatly.

                    My surround system has 4x Polk towers, 1x dual 6" + tweeter center, also Polk, and 1x Polk 150w / 12 inch powered sub. My cheap Harmon/Kardon receiver is soon to be replaced because the display died. Music system is an old Fisher receiver/amp (cheap and sounds amazing), some old JVC 3-way towers with 12" woofers and an old pair of Castle Durhams (audiophile grade bookshelf speakers from UK. I picked them up for $100 because they're beat up and they didn't know what they had).

                    jmooreJ scottalanmillerS 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                    • DashrenderD
                      Dashrender @jmoore
                      last edited by

                      @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                      @scottalanmiller said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                      @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                      @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                      @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                      @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                      @rojoloco said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                      @dashrender They have a 5 channel amp that's 499. That would knock out the amp side, but I think your needs would be easily met by a simple, all-in-one AV receiver.

                      So is there any real benefit to using a $600 processor and a $500 amp at this level compared to my $600 receiver?

                      Also, what is the life expectancy from either the processor or the amp?

                      the benefit will be better sound and longer lasting equipment. when you bunch everything up together in a receiver you will get 5-10 years from them on average because of all the heat. with separate components you will get double and longer. I have a friend who has Mcintosh and those must be approaching 30-40 years by now and still work great. receivers just don't last that long because of the heat build up

                      Not exactly a fair comparison with Mcintosh there. 😉

                      I got 10 years out of my last receiver, and I replaced it not because it failed, but because I wanted/needed 4K passthrough. Heck come to think of it, I have a 20+ year old Pioneer receiver in the garage running that setup just fine.

                      If, if I was an audiophile splitting this stuff out (even at the higher cost) would likely be valuable because I could retain the value of the less frequently swapped parts (amps, etc), while only swapping the parts that frequently get updated (processor).

                      But as mentioned, my receiver cost $600. That's it, one and done. The above listed processor alone is $600, then we tossed in $1600 for amps - trashing the listed $1500 budget.

                      Considering my needs, it's not providing real value to me personally. Those more into audio than I, Please enjoy the benefits of splitting those things out.

                      Understand that, its hardly ever fair when comparing against a Mcintosh. Anyway when i get time I will post again now that I know your requirements better.

                      I consider McIntosh a gateway product. Good stuff, but on the low end of hi fi mostly. Well known like stuff at Best Buy almost. Not quite, but in that range.

                      we may not be talking about the same company then. back in the 70's and 80's this stuff cost thousands for a single piece

                      So did B&W back then.

                      jmooreJ scottalanmillerS 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                      • jmooreJ
                        jmoore
                        last edited by

                        http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Pages/Home.aspx#

                        http://www.overtureav.com/shop/mcintosh?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=McIntosh_CT-SC&_vsrefdom=oav_ppc

                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                        • scottalanmillerS
                          scottalanmiller @jmoore
                          last edited by

                          @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                          @scottalanmiller said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                          @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                          @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                          @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                          @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                          @rojoloco said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                          @dashrender They have a 5 channel amp that's 499. That would knock out the amp side, but I think your needs would be easily met by a simple, all-in-one AV receiver.

                          So is there any real benefit to using a $600 processor and a $500 amp at this level compared to my $600 receiver?

                          Also, what is the life expectancy from either the processor or the amp?

                          the benefit will be better sound and longer lasting equipment. when you bunch everything up together in a receiver you will get 5-10 years from them on average because of all the heat. with separate components you will get double and longer. I have a friend who has Mcintosh and those must be approaching 30-40 years by now and still work great. receivers just don't last that long because of the heat build up

                          Not exactly a fair comparison with Mcintosh there. 😉

                          I got 10 years out of my last receiver, and I replaced it not because it failed, but because I wanted/needed 4K passthrough. Heck come to think of it, I have a 20+ year old Pioneer receiver in the garage running that setup just fine.

                          If, if I was an audiophile splitting this stuff out (even at the higher cost) would likely be valuable because I could retain the value of the less frequently swapped parts (amps, etc), while only swapping the parts that frequently get updated (processor).

                          But as mentioned, my receiver cost $600. That's it, one and done. The above listed processor alone is $600, then we tossed in $1600 for amps - trashing the listed $1500 budget.

                          Considering my needs, it's not providing real value to me personally. Those more into audio than I, Please enjoy the benefits of splitting those things out.

                          Understand that, its hardly ever fair when comparing against a Mcintosh. Anyway when i get time I will post again now that I know your requirements better.

                          I consider McIntosh a gateway product. Good stuff, but on the low end of hi fi mostly. Well known like stuff at Best Buy almost. Not quite, but in that range.

                          we may not be talking about the same company then. back in the 70's and 80's this stuff cost thousands for a single piece

                          Same company. It's expensive, but not super high end. It's often used in AV shops to demo "higher than normal" quality gear. It's like a gateway drug, mostly. It's high end gear that creeps down into more normal commodity shops.

                          jmooreJ 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                          • jmooreJ
                            jmoore @RojoLoco
                            last edited by

                            @rojoloco said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                            Well.... it's a detriment to 2 channel music. I would recommend getting a center channel that is a grade or two better than the other speakers, because that's where the dialog comes out when you're watching TV/movies. Placement is still key, so it depends on the seating arrangement as Scott said. But if you can mount all the speakers in the "right" places, a good center channel will improve things greatly.

                            agree with this

                            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                            • jmooreJ
                              jmoore @Dashrender
                              last edited by

                              @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                              @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                              @scottalanmiller said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                              @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                              @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                              @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                              @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                              @rojoloco said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                              @dashrender They have a 5 channel amp that's 499. That would knock out the amp side, but I think your needs would be easily met by a simple, all-in-one AV receiver.

                              So is there any real benefit to using a $600 processor and a $500 amp at this level compared to my $600 receiver?

                              Also, what is the life expectancy from either the processor or the amp?

                              the benefit will be better sound and longer lasting equipment. when you bunch everything up together in a receiver you will get 5-10 years from them on average because of all the heat. with separate components you will get double and longer. I have a friend who has Mcintosh and those must be approaching 30-40 years by now and still work great. receivers just don't last that long because of the heat build up

                              Not exactly a fair comparison with Mcintosh there. 😉

                              I got 10 years out of my last receiver, and I replaced it not because it failed, but because I wanted/needed 4K passthrough. Heck come to think of it, I have a 20+ year old Pioneer receiver in the garage running that setup just fine.

                              If, if I was an audiophile splitting this stuff out (even at the higher cost) would likely be valuable because I could retain the value of the less frequently swapped parts (amps, etc), while only swapping the parts that frequently get updated (processor).

                              But as mentioned, my receiver cost $600. That's it, one and done. The above listed processor alone is $600, then we tossed in $1600 for amps - trashing the listed $1500 budget.

                              Considering my needs, it's not providing real value to me personally. Those more into audio than I, Please enjoy the benefits of splitting those things out.

                              Understand that, its hardly ever fair when comparing against a Mcintosh. Anyway when i get time I will post again now that I know your requirements better.

                              I consider McIntosh a gateway product. Good stuff, but on the low end of hi fi mostly. Well known like stuff at Best Buy almost. Not quite, but in that range.

                              we may not be talking about the same company then. back in the 70's and 80's this stuff cost thousands for a single piece

                              So did B&W back then.

                              your right

                              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                              • scottalanmillerS
                                scottalanmiller @RojoLoco
                                last edited by

                                @rojoloco said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                @scottalanmiller said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                Simple surround sound improvement tip... if you don't need it due to crappy seating, simply remove the center speaker for improved sound quality. The extra center channel is the biggest source of audio quality loss in those setups.

                                Well.... it's a detriment to 2 channel music. I would recommend getting a center channel that is a grade or two better than the other speakers, because that's where the dialog comes out when you're watching TV/movies. Placement is still key, so it depends on the seating arrangement as Scott said. But if you can mount all the speakers in the "right" places, a good center channel will improve things greatly.

                                My surround system has 4x Polk towers, 1x dual 6" + tweeter center, also Polk, and 1x Polk 150w / 12 inch powered sub. My cheap Harmon/Kardon receiver is soon to be replaced because the display died. Music system is an old Fisher receiver/amp (cheap and sounds amazing), some old JVC 3-way towers with 12" woofers and an old pair of Castle Durhams (audiophile grade bookshelf speakers from UK. I picked them up for $100 because they're beat up and they didn't know what they had).

                                Even that the voice comes from there, you want it as high quality as possible and the center channel detracts from that. The human ear doesn't work in such a way as to make it sound better even with the speaker, even with the intention of it coming from there. You can get better blending and clarity from removing the speaker.

                                DashrenderD RojoLocoR 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                • DashrenderD
                                  Dashrender
                                  last edited by

                                  @rojoloco said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                  other speakers, because that's where the dialog comes out when you're watching TV/movies. Placement is still key, so it

                                  My current system is 2 in wall B&W front wall speakers and a B&W in wall center channel. I have a pair of rears, I added them last year, don't recall the brand. I don't have a sub yet. Wife is not looking forward to me adding one.

                                  RojoLocoR jmooreJ 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                  • scottalanmillerS
                                    scottalanmiller @Dashrender
                                    last edited by

                                    @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                    @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                    @scottalanmiller said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                    @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                    @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                    @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                    @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                    @rojoloco said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                    @dashrender They have a 5 channel amp that's 499. That would knock out the amp side, but I think your needs would be easily met by a simple, all-in-one AV receiver.

                                    So is there any real benefit to using a $600 processor and a $500 amp at this level compared to my $600 receiver?

                                    Also, what is the life expectancy from either the processor or the amp?

                                    the benefit will be better sound and longer lasting equipment. when you bunch everything up together in a receiver you will get 5-10 years from them on average because of all the heat. with separate components you will get double and longer. I have a friend who has Mcintosh and those must be approaching 30-40 years by now and still work great. receivers just don't last that long because of the heat build up

                                    Not exactly a fair comparison with Mcintosh there. 😉

                                    I got 10 years out of my last receiver, and I replaced it not because it failed, but because I wanted/needed 4K passthrough. Heck come to think of it, I have a 20+ year old Pioneer receiver in the garage running that setup just fine.

                                    If, if I was an audiophile splitting this stuff out (even at the higher cost) would likely be valuable because I could retain the value of the less frequently swapped parts (amps, etc), while only swapping the parts that frequently get updated (processor).

                                    But as mentioned, my receiver cost $600. That's it, one and done. The above listed processor alone is $600, then we tossed in $1600 for amps - trashing the listed $1500 budget.

                                    Considering my needs, it's not providing real value to me personally. Those more into audio than I, Please enjoy the benefits of splitting those things out.

                                    Understand that, its hardly ever fair when comparing against a Mcintosh. Anyway when i get time I will post again now that I know your requirements better.

                                    I consider McIntosh a gateway product. Good stuff, but on the low end of hi fi mostly. Well known like stuff at Best Buy almost. Not quite, but in that range.

                                    we may not be talking about the same company then. back in the 70's and 80's this stuff cost thousands for a single piece

                                    So did B&W back then.

                                    Yes, they moved into Best Buy a while ago. Still good, but nothing like they used to be.

                                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                    • DashrenderD
                                      Dashrender @scottalanmiller
                                      last edited by

                                      @scottalanmiller said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                      @rojoloco said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                      @scottalanmiller said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                      Simple surround sound improvement tip... if you don't need it due to crappy seating, simply remove the center speaker for improved sound quality. The extra center channel is the biggest source of audio quality loss in those setups.

                                      Well.... it's a detriment to 2 channel music. I would recommend getting a center channel that is a grade or two better than the other speakers, because that's where the dialog comes out when you're watching TV/movies. Placement is still key, so it depends on the seating arrangement as Scott said. But if you can mount all the speakers in the "right" places, a good center channel will improve things greatly.

                                      My surround system has 4x Polk towers, 1x dual 6" + tweeter center, also Polk, and 1x Polk 150w / 12 inch powered sub. My cheap Harmon/Kardon receiver is soon to be replaced because the display died. Music system is an old Fisher receiver/amp (cheap and sounds amazing), some old JVC 3-way towers with 12" woofers and an old pair of Castle Durhams (audiophile grade bookshelf speakers from UK. I picked them up for $100 because they're beat up and they didn't know what they had).

                                      Even that the voice comes from there, you want it as high quality as possible and the center channel detracts from that. The human ear doesn't work in such a way as to make it sound better even with the speaker, even with the intention of it coming from there. You can get better blending and clarity from removing the speaker.

                                      Assuming the audio mixers mix the sound with the expectation of a center channel - how does that audio get blended to the mains?

                                      scottalanmillerS 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                      • RojoLocoR
                                        RojoLoco @Dashrender
                                        last edited by

                                        @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                        @rojoloco said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                        other speakers, because that's where the dialog comes out when you're watching TV/movies. Placement is still key, so it

                                        My current system is 2 in wall B&W front wall speakers and a B&W in wall center channel. I have a pair of rears, I added them last year, don't recall the brand. I don't have a sub yet. Wife is not looking forward to me adding one.

                                        So your wife hates the idea of having a true cinematic experience at home? Surround sound is all wrong when you leave out the .1 part.

                                        DashrenderD scottalanmillerS 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 2
                                        • jmooreJ
                                          jmoore @scottalanmiller
                                          last edited by

                                          @scottalanmiller said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                          @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                          @scottalanmiller said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                          @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                          @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                          @jmoore said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                          @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                          @rojoloco said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                          @dashrender They have a 5 channel amp that's 499. That would knock out the amp side, but I think your needs would be easily met by a simple, all-in-one AV receiver.

                                          So is there any real benefit to using a $600 processor and a $500 amp at this level compared to my $600 receiver?

                                          Also, what is the life expectancy from either the processor or the amp?

                                          the benefit will be better sound and longer lasting equipment. when you bunch everything up together in a receiver you will get 5-10 years from them on average because of all the heat. with separate components you will get double and longer. I have a friend who has Mcintosh and those must be approaching 30-40 years by now and still work great. receivers just don't last that long because of the heat build up

                                          Not exactly a fair comparison with Mcintosh there. 😉

                                          I got 10 years out of my last receiver, and I replaced it not because it failed, but because I wanted/needed 4K passthrough. Heck come to think of it, I have a 20+ year old Pioneer receiver in the garage running that setup just fine.

                                          If, if I was an audiophile splitting this stuff out (even at the higher cost) would likely be valuable because I could retain the value of the less frequently swapped parts (amps, etc), while only swapping the parts that frequently get updated (processor).

                                          But as mentioned, my receiver cost $600. That's it, one and done. The above listed processor alone is $600, then we tossed in $1600 for amps - trashing the listed $1500 budget.

                                          Considering my needs, it's not providing real value to me personally. Those more into audio than I, Please enjoy the benefits of splitting those things out.

                                          Understand that, its hardly ever fair when comparing against a Mcintosh. Anyway when i get time I will post again now that I know your requirements better.

                                          I consider McIntosh a gateway product. Good stuff, but on the low end of hi fi mostly. Well known like stuff at Best Buy almost. Not quite, but in that range.

                                          we may not be talking about the same company then. back in the 70's and 80's this stuff cost thousands for a single piece

                                          Same company. It's expensive, but not super high end. It's often used in AV shops to demo "higher than normal" quality gear. It's like a gateway drug, mostly. It's high end gear that creeps down into more normal commodity shops.

                                          yes expensive but not crazy. we are talking 5-10k a piece. super expensive stuff can be several times that but not sound any noticeably better. I have a higher opinion of them than you do and thats fine. every listener is different

                                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                          • DashrenderD
                                            Dashrender @RojoLoco
                                            last edited by

                                            @rojoloco said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                            @dashrender said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                            @rojoloco said in What do you like for a non expensive audio setup for surround sound TV/movies?:

                                            other speakers, because that's where the dialog comes out when you're watching TV/movies. Placement is still key, so it

                                            My current system is 2 in wall B&W front wall speakers and a B&W in wall center channel. I have a pair of rears, I added them last year, don't recall the brand. I don't have a sub yet. Wife is not looking forward to me adding one.

                                            So your wife hates the idea of having a true cinematic experience at home? Surround sound is all wrong when you leave out the .1 part.

                                            My wife couldn't see any difference when we upgraded to HD TV.. she finally admitted a noticeable difference going to 4K.

                                            scottalanmillerS 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
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