After a couple of iterations including multiple Audyssey runs and playing with NADs gain level, I have been able to put the system together. To summarize
4.1 system
Denon X3800H, powering 2 surrounds Kef Meta 1
L/R preouts to NAD M32, driving Focal Sopra2 pair
Sub: HSU ULS15
Room: 14x20x9 ft
Audyssey settings:
Distance and Levels: Front L (16.8 ft, -1.0 db), R (16.8 ft, -1.5 db), Sub (11.4 ft, -3.0db), SL (6.7 ft, +0.5 db), SR (5.1 ft, -2.5 db)
MultiEQ XT32: On, Dynamic EQ: On, Dynamic Volume: On
I am very happy with the performance for both HT and Music. Sound quality is amazing. Sub is very strong, it can shake and produce rumblings with case
I am open to ideas about improving the performance further. At the same time, want to be clear whether those improvements would be marginal or significant. Here's a few ideas in my mind
Room treatment
Getting a center channel for <$500, eg Martin Logan Motion 4
Adding another sub: want to try something new with similar dimensions like the current HSU (19" cube), and weight ~85 lbs. Like SVS PB 3000 (5000 series or Ultra would be too huge and heavy)
Suggestions for audiophile grade receiver for Home theater setup
Hi folks,
I am in the process of setting up my media room. I am very happy with its music performance. The home theater (HT) experience is lacking the surround effects (basically HDMI from TV converted to PCM stereo on Optical out).
Objective is to make HT experience as engaging as 2.1 channel music with amazing sound quality.
Background
Meida room - 85" TV, 9 ft viewing distance, 14 x 20 ft room. Audio gear includes pair of Focal Sopra 2, HSU MK15 sub, NAD M32 stereo amp. Basically a 2.1 setup. See pic
Content: Mainly streaming from Youtube, Netflix. Genres include Podcasts, Sports, News, Travel/Nature videos, Some music during weekends from Youtube and Spotify, few movies a month. I know these sources don't have the highest resolutions. But they have great access and convenience.
Options I tried
Recently I tested with a Denon AVR 2800H - wired it to the Focals and sub, along with Kef Meta Q1 for surrounds. A 4.1 setup. While this provided the surround effects. It led to a huge loss of sound quality in the fronts and sub. The sound lacked detail, power, it felt very thin.
Then I also tried a 2.1 setup - Denon, Focals, sub - this was a huge dip in sound quality, in comparison to NAD amp
What are the options going forward to make cinema sound as high quality and engaging as the current Focal/NAD setup for music?
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- 25 posts total
- 25 posts total

