2. home-theater
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Hi, I'm new here, and I'm an addict...

I was in the business 20+ years ago, and am finally getting back into it. I'm upgrading piece by piece as I go, aiming for the best I can get in each component.

The room is a 12 X 19 X 8 rectangle, family room/theater/tv room/and music room on the few occasions I'm home alone. Seating position 13' from the front wall. Carpeted for now, but will be wood with area rugs as the price for being able to 'get my fix' on gear.

First was the RXA3010 I got a steal on, then the 65", then yesterday, from someone here, a perfect set of Synchrony S's (his towers are equally perfect, btw).

I'm still using Infinity Kappa 7's circa '88 for mains, with a Yamaha MX2 (I think) driving them. My son's PS3 is my Blu-ray, but it is too new to play SACDs.

I got the PSB's because the Imagine T2's or possibly synchrony's will be my mains one day, they fit aesthetically with the WAF, and I like 'em.

Questions are; I have limited space over the fireplace for a center channel, only about 6 1/2" height, and 10" or so depth. I've heard I may be better off without a center than a low quality one that fits, and that the PSB's should give me all the dialogue clarity I will need. thoughts?

Next, the PS3 needs replacing. I like the Oppo, and the 103 seems to be leading the race, but I don't know what all this 'region free' stuff is about, and does it matter. I'm not an 'audiophile' so the ultimate in sound quality isn't required, but I don't want to miss anything in the original purchase I'll kick myself for later.

Sub(s). My Kappas don't need one. They kick me in the chest and the room shakes as it is, but when they're replaced, that impact needs to be replaced. Passive/Active?

Finally, amplification. The AVR will be fine for now, and if the answer to the center channel question is 'you don't need it', then I'll need 4 channels, possibly 2 if the Yamaha amp goes from the mains to the surrounds.

TIA for your time
english210

Showing 5 responses by english210

english210 OP
169 posts
 
Ok, I guess my question is why spend the extra on the modded versions, as opposed to just the $499 on the Oppo site for the 103 or 95?

I have the SynchronyS surorunds, which are tri-mode, and I'll probably wire them as 7.1 since I ran the wires already, but I know that'll be a trial and error thing. The receiver has 9.2, but I don't anticipate adding front effect speakers. The receiver also has 'pure direct' mode for when I'm just listening to music. As with anyone, I suppose, I'm trying to get the max out of a multi-use room. The main question remaining is about the necessity of a dedicated center channel given my limited space, or will the upgraded LF/RF (when I get them) with better imaging characteristics than my Kappas localize dialogue properly without need for a center? Watching movies in 2 channel seems to have decent dialogue as-is, but of course I have little to compare it to.
english210 OP
169 posts
 
Ok, thanks. I'm building as I go, as I said, so I have the rears now, next will probably be center, once I figure out how to make the PSB work in limited space. I agree with timbre matching, which is why I auditioned main speakers to narrow down what I like, even though my Kappa's won't be replaced for a little while.

I feel like I'm emerging from a coma in some ways..I was in the business for a while, but almost nothing is the same as I remember it. When I went to audition the PSB's, the dealer didn't even have a CD player hooked up, it was all on a server somewhere...but that's a question for that other forum ;)

The 103 it is..Thanks
english210 OP
169 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. A little late on the 'center channel first', but oh well ;) I'll play with the Synchrony S's in 5.1 and 7.1 and make up my mind which I like best. Because of a window in the side wall, they are about 24" behind the listening position. I've wired them in 7.1 for now, rear-facing will bounce off the rear walls, front-facing will aim slightly forward of the listening position. I'll play with the configuration over the weekend...oh darn! :)

I may be able to make the Sychrony C2 work...I'll look again. I'd prefer a matching center, that's a given....The wife is more concerned about the $$ than the size of the speakers, she's stated she's happy with the Kappa's, in hopes of me not selling a kidney to upgrade, probably.

Sardonyxx, I think I follow you about the Oppo...when you refer to using the analog outs, you mean the analog outs on the receiver/processor to an outboard amp? Or the analog outs on the Oppo to the receiver? The Yamaha is using 24/192 Burr-Brown DAC's according to their website. It appears for video I would want to run everything through the Oppo, then to the plazma. Thanks for the confirmation on what I was thinking about 'region free'.
english210 OP
169 posts
 
I appreciate all the help!

So Oppo 93, Make space for a good center, add a sub, and upgrade amplification. In close to that order..maybe the center first.

Next problem will be a PSB center over the fireplace, given the port(s) on the back - I'm guessing the port right against the wall is a no-no, just as with L&R mains? Or does a center's more limited low frequency extension ameliorate that issue somewhat?

Yes, the Kappa's are power hungry. My Yamaha separate amp (not the receiver) does drive them to my maximun necessary volume though, and whatever they get replaced with will be more efficient, so I don't think I'll need a big power increase.

Once again, I appreciate the input!!
english210 OP
169 posts
 
Follow up on the center channel question...Found a deal on a Synchrony Two C (looks like PSB is discontinuing it?). But I'm pretty sure it's ported, and it would be going over the fireplace, almost up against the wall....Bad idea?
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