Combine or separate

[Covenanter]

I'm going to refurbish my apartment, new flooring, heating, etc and one of the things I'm thinking about is what to do with my AV sound system. Should I try to combine it with my hifi using my R700s or should I keep it separate. I listen to music maybe 2 to 3 hours a day on average and use the AV maybe once a week to watch/listen to a DVD.

If combine what would you recommend? If separate (maybe a question for a different forum) what would you recommend?

Chris

 

[KidKomet]

My personal preference is to keep my HiFi and my AV systems separate. 2 different systems for 2 different purposes.

 

[hifikrazy]

You can actually combine them like what I do without any downsides. I'm using the same pair of speakers for music listening and as main front speakers for AV.

For music listening: CD player connected to preamp connected to power amp connected to speakers

For AV: Media player connected to AV amp connected to preamp (via the AV amp's preout) connected to power amp connected to speakers. Center channel (preferably the Kef R600c or R200c), surround speakers and subwoofer are connected to AV amp directly.

I think you can make use of your PM8005's Power Amp Direct function for connecting to your AV amp's preout.

 

[Glacialpath]

I agree with hifikrazy.

Combine them but keep music and AV seperate.

 

[CnoEvil]

Good advice above.

The best way is to keep them totally separate, but this takes up two rooms and is more expensive.

A very reasonable compromise (as has been suggested), is to combine but keep separate, by using the Pre-Outs of the AV amp. It greatly helps (but not essential) if the 2 channel amp has an HT Bypass.

 

[Vladimir]

Can someone explain what is the downside for using AVR in stereo mode vs stereo 2 channel amplifier.

Thanks.

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

If listening space is going to be shared between Stereo and AV i think a combine solution it will reduce cables and speakers, therefor a simpler solution.your KEF R700 will be a hell of front channels, just add the R central and matching rears (or existing ones) and off you go! 8) :cheers:

 

[matt49]

Can someone explain what is the downside for using AVR in stereo mode vs stereo 2 channel amplifier.

Thanks.

OK, I'll take the bait.

It limits your choice of amplification.

:cheers:

Matt

 

[nima]

Can someone explain what is the downside for using AVR in stereo mode vs stereo 2 channel amplifier.

Thanks.

It sounds rubbish.

 

[nima]

2 channel amp with HT Bypass is a way to go.

How often do you actually watch films in multi-channel setting? If not that many, stereo could be more than adequate.

 

[CnoEvil]

2 channel amp with HT Bypass is a way to go.

How often do you actually watch films in multi-channel setting? If not that many, stereo could be more than adequate.

....especially if you add a Sub.

 

[abacus]

If you can acoustically treat your room (Or the acoustics are already good) then the simpler amplifier path is the way to go, if however you can’t, (Always difficult in a domestic environment) then you can usually get a much more accurate sound by using the room correction facilities of an AV Receiver. (This does mean that everything has to go through the AV Receiver though) Swings & Roundabouts I’m afraid.

Note; you can also get professional room correction hardware (Pop down to your local music store to see what’s available) which will be vastly superior to any that are fitted to Home AV/Hi Fi equipment, so is another option if you just want to use the amplifier path and can’t use acoustic treatment.

Hope this helps

Bill

 

[Esra]

http://www.thomann.de/gb/behringer_deq2496_ultracurve_pro.htm

a nice and affordable device that helps a lot if you can´t treat your room.I have used myself and sold as I don´t need it any more.

 

[the record spot]

Can someone explain what is the downside for using AVR in stereo mode vs stereo 2 channel amplifier.

Thanks.

It sounds rubbish.

Yes, well, that's the trouble with absolutes isn't it? They just don't stack up all of the time.

No point asking me Chris. I ditched my integrated amp ages ago and haven't looked back. The Onkyo is an incredibly strong outfielder, drives my current speakers (Pioneer S71-B) with ease and would only get replaced by another AV amp. Wouldn't dream of going back.

 

[richardw42]

This forum hasn't moved on at all.

 

[DocG]

This forum hasn't moved on at all.

Hence Cno's baseline: "Everything has been said before, but since nobody listens we have to keep going back and beginning all over again." by André Gide...

 

[nopiano]

I've had my modest Denon and KEF 5.1 system in the same room as my stereo because there was enough space. But I never really used the AV much and it was nowhere near the stereo in sq. having heard a couple of decent AV setups, including the magazine's own, I can imagine the top AV gear can sound good on music, but in my head I still think surround is for explosions and helicopters, but stereo is for music!

A blinkered view, I know.

So my answer s it really depends on your kit, but as you seem yo be much more music than cinema I wonder if you've tried cinema in 2.0 which I find quite satisfying.

 

[Covenanter]

It took me some time but I have ditched the Sony AV system and have plugged the digital-out from a new Blu-Ray player into the SA8005 digital-in. It works really well. Ok you don't get proper surround sound or the subsonic effects but I could rarely use those to full effect anyway living in an apartment block. The R700s sound great so I am happy.

Chris

 

[Thompsonuxb]

For convenience I'd keep them separated if you can, If they're in separate rooms.

For those days when you want to be alone.

If they're in the same room then combine them 5.1/7.1 stereo sounds good through full range speakers.

Sub not required.

 

[tino]

I listen to music maybe 2 to 3 hours a day on average and use the AV maybe once a week to watch/listen to a DVD

Keep the hifi and buy one of the new fangled soundbars / soundbases for your occasional AV sound duties. Looks much neater.