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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
ricred1 OP
1,979 posts
 
What is the right way to connect it?
reubent
6,936 posts
 
Hi Ric,

You don't have it connected properly for a combo 2-channel/HT add-on system.

You need to connect the L&R line level RCA cable from the Oppo to your pre-amp for listening to 2-channel music.

You need to connect the Oppo to your HT receiver using an HDMI cable.

You will need to connect the center channel speaker to the center channel speaker output of the HT receiver.

You will need to connect the L&R front speaker pre-outs on the receiver to your HT input on your pre-amp.

Once you do this you will need to engage the HT bypass on your 2-channel pre-amp when you want to listen to multi-channel output from your Oppo player.

You will also need to go through the setup sequence on your HT receiver to tell it you have X number of speakers (3?) and set up the speaker balance (probably automated using a MIC).

If you run into any issue with this, let me know. I would be happy to help. I've done this type of combo system many times with good success, but I always used the HT receiver to power the center channel and the L&R rear surround speaker.

Enjoy,

TIC
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 

Connect the Marantz front preouts to the HT bypass input on the preamp. Then when you select that input, the Marantz VC controls volume on all speakers. Even though sound quality of L&R may not be quite as good as before, the sync problem should be eliminated.

ricred1 OP
1,979 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. 

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dbphd
1,616 posts
 
I wonder why OP's dialog is low without a center channel.  My center amp is power cycling itself, so I deleted the center channel in my processor menu and returned to a phantom center.  The sound seems just as good without them, so I suspect the Parasound JC 1 amp and KEF R600C are redundant.  We do sit centered at the near-field apex, and the KEF Reference 107/2s image splendidly.

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