2. home-theater
  3. 1355860579

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
mechans
3,048 posts
 
It sounds like your all set. I don't know the technical issues of video coding or how a machine gets locked into one region or another, presumably with a chip that the machine will not function without that might restrict what can be played on it. In any event region free sounds like what you need.
As for the number of channels you would like in a surround system isn't that a matter of personal; taste. The old standard (I am a stereo guy so take this with a grain of salt)was 5.1 then it went to 7.1 or more then 9.xx etc. It is really what you will like. I have read people say 3 channels makes them happy and other invest fortunes in custom installations.
I would assume the old 5 channel systems would be sufficient. Surround is not however "audiophile" stuff most of us are 2 channel you will even find some mono enthusiasts.
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.
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
The Oppo 103 is all you need for digital source playback. A big, separate amp would greatly improve upon the wimpy amps found in almost all AV receivers. And a separate pro-pro like the EEmotiva UMC-200 or upcoming XMC-1 would serve you well.

And, yes, you DO need a center channel speaker. The center handles about 80% of the dialog in a surround sound setup, don't skimp here.

I would also recommend using speakers from the same mfgr. in the same product line. The timbre-matching (voicing) and seamless transition from L-R and F-R will improve dramatically...

-RW-
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
More to discover