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Attempting to configure 5.1 with current gear and new Anthem unit-

New Anthem surround replacing older Arcam.  Cannot figure out how to get all five speakers (left, center, right and two rears) to play.  Have CJ Pre, Power and Phono Pre--basically working in two channel mode for vinyl and CDs--  Put in new Anthem--my tech cannot figure out how to get all to play in surround mode-5.1--(I guess unless I add addl set of speakers, left and right--which wasn't necessary prior. and sound would suffer-along with space issues.)
It seemed to me my old tech from years ago had sussed this out--but I am in a jam.   Also attempting to get OPPO DVD player and Comcast TV feed into mix.  If anyone has a clue, please chime in.  My current universal remote is a MX780-- need less to say, I wasn't expecting this, and I am not a tech guy.
Thanks---Thoughts???????  
bluesnbike1954
mahler123
3,114 posts
 
I am confused.  Do you have all 5 speakers in the system currently?  Was the set up guy using the ARC (with the microphone, etc)?
reubent
6,941 posts
 
Was the previous Arcam a 5.1 HT Receiver? Is the new Anthem also a 5.1 HT receiver? Model numbers might help too....

Does the 2-channel system, i.e. pre-amp, amp, phono and CD work independently, without the need to use the HT receiver?

Sound like you may have had a "combo HT/2-channel system" previously, where the 2-channel components powered the front L&R speakers. If that is the case, the 2-channel rig would be able to play completely independent of the HT 5.1 channel portion of the system. Then the HT receiver would power the center channel speaker, and rear surrounds. It would also do all of the 5.1 channel decoding, etc., when playing DVDs and TV, etc.

Does that sound like what you had previously?
cissado
113 posts
 
Keep the 2 channel as is and connect the OPPO and Cable box to the Anthem. Connect the Anthem to the ore with interconnects.  The rest is using the Anthem's menu to configure which speakers are connected. I'm assuming your pre has a home theater bypass because it worked before. Or you just bypassed that and manually did it. I see both ways will work.

Good luck, I'm just passing along what I've learned from here. Someone can correct any misinformation if need be.
adsell's avatar
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adsell
71 posts
 
You need an HT bypass on the CJ 2 channel. When playing 5.1 via your Arcam, passing through the CJ. That said, you can like I did make an XLR switch box. It lets me direct what plays out of the L&R with a flip of a switch. They exist commercially but found I could make a DIY version that is better quality.
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