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
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
vicdamone
850 posts
 
No offense but you may be working backwards. If your center space is limited that should be the first speaker to purchase then match the rest of the speakers to the all important center channel. Balance and uniformity.

The surround speakers you purchased are dipoles designed for 5.1 and will muddle up 7.1. With 7.1 its best to match all seven speakers. Or use a matching model dedicated center with the left, right, side, and rears. I usually suggest very small Gallo speakers. It's not necessary to use big speakers with an HT system.

While most media is in 5.1 a 7.1 processor matrixes the 5.1 left, right, and the surround channels to create the side and rear effects. The room correction provides the timing and balance. Most modern processors within receivers and pre/pros do a very good job of matrixing creating a greater surround effect. Actual 7.1 productions can be exceptional. Forget about 9.2.

I think your Kappa's are down 3dB at 37Hz, you'll definitely need a subwoofer. The .1 bass information is very different from simple stereo. You won't need tower or floor standing speakers with a sub. Generally, you don't need a sub with elaborate EQ, the processor will make those adjustments. HT fun factor is all about the sub and your wife will most likely enjoy smaller speakers.
sardonyxx
64 posts
 
I agree with Rlwainwright except I cannot comment on EEmotiva. If your processor is going to decode the high res formats then the Oppo 103 is a great player. If you want to use the analog outputs as a 5.1, 7.1, or 2 channel out for audio then I suggest the better dacs in the Oppo 95 but not necessary. The 4k stuff is still pretty far away to be worried about. Region free is not necessary unless you are gonna be watching Russian cinema for example.
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