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
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 

How are the source and amps connected? Does the 2 channel preamp have a HT bypass input?

ricred1 OP
1,976 posts
 
My preamp has HT bypass. The Oppo is connected to my DAC via an Optical cable
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
Then the Marantz front preouts connect to HT bypass input on the preamp and analog output of DAC connect to an input on Marantz, correct? If this is not correct, can you please describe the connections between the Marantz, preamp, Oppo, and DAC.
ricred1 OP
1,976 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.
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
Sync problem is being caused by your connections. You have created two different signal paths for the 3 speakers.

Oppo HDMI output > Marantz > Center Speaker

Oppo Optical output > DAC > Preamp > Amp > L&R Speaker

The issue is not using different amps, but using 2 different outputs on the Oppo. Both amps must receive a signal from a single output.

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