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3.1 channel audiophile setup for music and movies

Does anyone have experience with a 3.1 channel setup for both music and movies? I'd like to be able to use my JMR Bliss Silver monitors for both music and movies, but finding a "simple" amp setup so I can listen to music in stereo, and then use a center speaker and sub for films when I want to is proving difficult. I'm trying to avoid having lots of components to deal with. Is there an audiophile amp/preamp or integrated amp setup that could be used without needing a separate AV receiver? Right now I use my Bliss speakers connected to a Bel Canto C5i for both music or movies (C5i is connected to my TV with an optical cable, and also connected by RCA cables to a Bluesound Node 2). It sounds great for music and pretty good for movies, but was hoping to be able to add a center and subwoofer to enhance the movie experience. I don't have any desire to convert to a 5.1 or higher setup, I like the simplicity of having less. Any suggestions/insights are much appreciated. 
jfarkash
5 responses Add your response
erik_squires
15,662 posts
 
Parasound P7

Can also do it with most preamps / integrateds that have a Home Theater bypass and 12V trigger output. :)

Best,

E
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,055 posts
 
If simplicity is your goal and then nothing (IMHO) can come close to SONOS Playbar and Subwoofer setup. I have this setup in 2 out of 4 rooms in my home.  

The sound on both movies and music, convenience and ability to stream unlimited music (through Tidal) is simply amazing. 

jfarkash OP
9 posts
 
erik...thank you for the suggestions, I'll check out the Parasound.

lalitk...I wasn't thinking of a Sonos player and sub, but if you say the sound quality is amazing, it does seem worth considering.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,055 posts
 
@jfarkash, 

In addition to great sound, it's the simplest setup I have seen. You just need one toslink cable that goes between playbar and your TV. Rest is all wireless :-)

SONOS does supply a 'cheap' toslink cable but I would use a quality cable like, Analysis Plus or DH Labs. 


jfarkash OP
9 posts
 
Thanks, lalitk. It certainly sounds like Sonos is a good choice for simplicity's sake. I was hoping to come across a fairly uncomplicated setup using just my monitors, then adding a sub and center, and it is possible, but definitely not uncomplicated. Oh well, I guess that's how it goes in hi fi. 

erik...looked up the Parasound preamp you mentioned. Looks very interesting, but also came across a Parasound 3 channel power amp (Halo 31), which looks interesting as well. The search continues...
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