Center Channel on an Integrated Stereo Amplifier

A 3.1 or 3.2 setup can work really well.

But I'm not clear on how you are processing/sending a true center channel signal and which amp (or amps) you are using? Can you elaborate?

@shawnpmathew:

I agree with the other posters on the thread that it is probably best to stay with 2.1.

HOWEVER, To answer your question and to address your needs, I, and I believe others, will need some more information.

1. Where is the 3.X channel signal coming from? The TV? The Cable Box? Another source?

2. What is that signal being transferred over? HDMI? Another type? For example, if you are using the Optical out of a TV, in many cases it will be limited to 2.1 channels.

Please know that I am not suggesting that you do this, but simply answering what you have posted in your thread.....

The simplest solution is to replace your PrimaLuna with an AVR.

[Again, I am not recommending this, but it is a solution.]

If you keep your PrimaLuna then you need to have something that switches seamlessly between 2ch and HT. The PrimaLuna may allow for bypass or passthrough, and if this is the case, then it can still serve as a hub. However, that will still mean that you need something to process the extra channel signal and an amplifier for the additional channel. Further complicating things is keeping everything 'sounding' the same since you will have to match the center to your L/R speakers and (less so) the amp and cabling and volume across all three channels.

The above para is a quick, short take on the complications one gets into with the type of setup you are looking for, which is why most don't go to the trouble. The results are very good when done right, but it is usually a pricey road.

You haven't mentioned which DAC you are using with the PrimaLuna, but an option I considered to get to true 3.1 was the new OPPO Digital UDP-205 directly feeding an NAD M27. The NAD has 7 channels and if I needed to biamp speakers, I would be able to use 6 of those, and likely a 7th for extra sub duties, since the OPPO is .1 only.

Hi Shawn.

Yes, more or less. : )

Here are some additional 'things' to consider.

It may be time to upgrade your BDP. Higher models will provide analog out, which may allow you to avoid purchasing a processor. And if you are going that route, it might be wise to go with a UDP/UHD player so that you are more future proof.

I'd also check to see what is output via Optical/Toslink. Some sources will allow for multichannel output, but MOST are only 2.1.

As I said earlier, the most cost effective way to move forward is to purchase an AVR which will provide you with up to date processing, can serve as a hub/switch, and offers you amplification.

Otherwise you are looking at a number of components and the needed extra cabling. This is a good path, just one that is more expensive.

In terms of AVRs, I haven't been  familiar with Pioneer Elites for years now. My last AVR was a Marantz. Before that Sony ES and before that Yamaha. I think you will have a number of good choices. One I would recommend looking into is Anthem.

@shawnpmathew:

Hi Shawn. OPPO is a good choice, but there are others as well. It depends on the feature set you are looking for and your budget. If you go the AVR route then you don't have to spend as much on the player. On the audio end, the main difference in choice will be whether you want to utilize the onboard DAC in the player or the DAC in the AVR.

I've had good luck with Panasonic and Sony, but ended up becoming a dedicated OPPO user due to their 'higher end' audiophile players. In terms of OPPO, which I am currently familiar with, the 203 will be a good choice if you go the AVR route. Other companies also have good offerings for about the same or less (in price).

If you skip the AVR, then I would recommend trying out the 205. OPPO has a very reasonable return policy and you can test the 205s performance for CD playback, computer based audio, etc., and its DAC vs your current Simaudio DAC and streamer, and  CD/BD player.

You might be very surprised. If that makes it happen for you, you can keep the 205 and get an older previously high-end AVR for pennies on the dollar and use it for amplification purposes only. And then bring in the center channel.

If I were making the decision, this is the route I would take. If the OPPO outperforms your current components you will have One Box replace Three Boxes. If it doesn't, return it and you are likely only out shipping fees.

The above is in relation to audio alone. In addition, you will be getting top of the line Video processing as well as a truly universal disk player.

On the current AVR side, there are many well reviewed choices across a wide budget range.

Your current BDP will output multichannel via HDMI to your receiver.

The argument for upgrading is only if you want to get a more up to date BDP (and more specifically a UHD with current video processing) and possibly more output options, like analog out.

You can also output audio via HDMI from your TV, if it allows for it.

Your budget is of course a factor. If you want to keep your spend lower, then only invest in the new receiver. The other path(s) are options you could also pursue.

Congratulations. Pics look terrific. And you sound happy!