On the 4.1 question, you would use Phantom center mode or something like that. And for movies, quality of surrounds not critical at all. Mostly effects, foot steps, bullets richoceting, crowd noises, etc.
Upgrade for TrueHD and 5.1= Better sound or worse?
Hi, I am a newbie that is just putting together my first system.
I have a pair of Usher BE 718's, a Squeezebox Duet, a Tube Audio Design Dac and Preamp and Tube Audio Design (actually solid state) monoblocks.
I will likely purchase Anticables, Lessloss power cords and GIK Room panels.
I am also in the process of buying a Blu ray player. I have an old Harman Kardon AVR 230 from 2004 (no HDMI).
First of all, how would True HD sound on a 2 channel system with the Blu ray player doing the processing? Would it still be a "HUGE" improvement?
I am thinking about the following upgrades:
Onkyo receiver that processes TrueHD through HDMI (about $300 either used or refurbished)
I added the cost of 6 pairs of interconnects-- even through Blue Jeans, at least $190. May as well just spend the extra $100 and get it through HDMI.
That is unless i can just use 2 channel analog outs to my pre and get 90% of the improvement (don't neccessarily really need the surround sound, but also thinking about it.
Purchase rock bottom cheap surround speakers, center and sub. Thinking like about $100 per speaker used, or about $400 and all Blue Jeans speaker cables.
Will use only for home theater/Blu rays. Will this be a huge degradation in sound quality, or will the surround sound and Onkyo receiver be a huge upgrade?
If i use 2 channel, all music goes through the DAC. Would this be better sound using the 2 channel analog outs, or better to use an Onkyo receiver with monoblocks connected to the pre-outs.
Also will buying $100 speakers for surrounds, center and sub a waste of money?
Cost of upgrade:
Onkyo receiver $300
4 speakers $500 ($400-$425 plus shipping)
3 sets of speaker cable, 1 subwoofer cable $110
total cost: $910
minus cost of 2 pr interconnects $60(Blue Jeans) or $200 (anticables)
$850
Thanks for your help.
I have a pair of Usher BE 718's, a Squeezebox Duet, a Tube Audio Design Dac and Preamp and Tube Audio Design (actually solid state) monoblocks.
I will likely purchase Anticables, Lessloss power cords and GIK Room panels.
I am also in the process of buying a Blu ray player. I have an old Harman Kardon AVR 230 from 2004 (no HDMI).
First of all, how would True HD sound on a 2 channel system with the Blu ray player doing the processing? Would it still be a "HUGE" improvement?
I am thinking about the following upgrades:
Onkyo receiver that processes TrueHD through HDMI (about $300 either used or refurbished)
I added the cost of 6 pairs of interconnects-- even through Blue Jeans, at least $190. May as well just spend the extra $100 and get it through HDMI.
That is unless i can just use 2 channel analog outs to my pre and get 90% of the improvement (don't neccessarily really need the surround sound, but also thinking about it.
Purchase rock bottom cheap surround speakers, center and sub. Thinking like about $100 per speaker used, or about $400 and all Blue Jeans speaker cables.
Will use only for home theater/Blu rays. Will this be a huge degradation in sound quality, or will the surround sound and Onkyo receiver be a huge upgrade?
If i use 2 channel, all music goes through the DAC. Would this be better sound using the 2 channel analog outs, or better to use an Onkyo receiver with monoblocks connected to the pre-outs.
Also will buying $100 speakers for surrounds, center and sub a waste of money?
Cost of upgrade:
Onkyo receiver $300
4 speakers $500 ($400-$425 plus shipping)
3 sets of speaker cable, 1 subwoofer cable $110
total cost: $910
minus cost of 2 pr interconnects $60(Blue Jeans) or $200 (anticables)
$850
Thanks for your help.