2. home-theater
  3. 125630-126

Adding Center Channel

I currently have my 2 channel providing the Audio for my projector. Unless I turn the volume up significantly the dialog is too low. I was told adding a inexpensive AV Receiver and center channel would help, so I did. I purchased a Marantz NR1607 and Monitor Audio Gold center channel. The NR1607 is used to drive the center channel only. The problem is I hear dialog through my main speakers before I hear it through the center channel. It almost sounds like an echo. I've tried everything and I can't solve the problem. Is it because I have two different amps(1 driving the main speakers and the AV receiver for the center channel)? I've contacted Marantz and Oppo via the phone and they couldn't resolve the issue. Any suggestions?
ricred1

Showing 9 responses by ricred1

ricred1 OP
1,974 posts
 
My preamp has HT bypass. The Oppo is connected to my DAC via an Optical cable
ricred1 OP
1,974 posts
 
Adjusting the audio delay settings didn't help. According to Marantz and Oppo's tech support the problem is because I'm using two different amps. One to drive the main speakers and one for the center. 
ricred1 OP
1,974 posts
 
What is the right way to connect it?
ricred1 OP
1,974 posts
 
The Marantz is used to drive only the center channel and isn't connected to my preamp. I had it connected as follows: from projector to Marantz via HDMI, from Marantz to Oppo via HDMI, Oppo to my preamp via Optical cable. My DAC is connected to my preamp via  balanced cables.
ricred1 OP
1,974 posts
 
tls49,
thanks , it worked. No more sync problem and the L&R speakers still sound great when watching television or movies. Of course I turn the center channel and AV receiver off when listening to 2 channel. In addition, I decided to go to the next level Monitor Audio center channel. 

ricred1 OP
1,974 posts
 
dbphd,
Prior to getting the center channel and AV receiver, the sound was coming through my 2 channel system. 

ricred1 OP
1,974 posts
 
Yes, I  have great imaging/ soundstage with 2 channel. I've already added the center and AV receiver for when I'm watching TV or movies. There is a significant difference with the center channel.  When I listen to music I turn off the receiver/ center channel.
ricred1 OP
1,974 posts
 
tls49,
thanks again.
ricred1 OP
1,974 posts
 
I'm thinking of trading up from the Monitor Audio Gold C350 to the Platinum PLC350 center channel speaker. Has anyone compared the two? I don't have the opportunity to compare the two and would like some feedback. Any thoughts on the value of expensive center channel speakers?
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