External Speakers for TV: Hi-Fi or Multi-Channel?

[admin_exported]

Current Hi-FI set-up is Cambridge Audio Azure 640C plus Technics A900 Mk2 and Royd Minstrel speakers in a [smallish] 5mx3m lounge. OK, it's not Ultra Hi-Fi but they're pretty good quality components and provide a nice natural sound which I like.

We're about to add a decent/good 40-42" LCD TV (think Sony 40W4500 or Samsung UE40B7020-level quality) to the mix and the question of sound has raised it's ugly head. Our viewing is primarily Freeview, with the occasional DVD and, obviously, I can simply pipe the TV through the Royds and the end result will probably be fine. However, is there any alternative?

For example, Would there be any percentage in replacing the Royds with some sort of multi-channel/home cinema speaker set-up? I know very little about this particular componentry area and, whilst I'm sure that it would give me a good sound experience from the TV, would it also give me the sort of [decent] Hi-Fi experience I get from my current speakers when playing CDs from the 640C.

For that matter, the above assumes that I'd have to replace my Royds - I presume there's no solution where I could supplement them with extra speakers for the TV source and use them alone for the CD source? Also, if I did go for a multi-speaker set-up could I retain my A900 or would I have to replace it with a multi-channel amp to handle the various speaker outputs?

Sorry if these are somewhat basic questions but Home Cinema is a bit of an unknown area to me and I don't really know what's possible.....or even if I want to go there! Instinctively, I think that piping the TV through the Royds is probably the way to go given the lack of space and the fact we don't watch that many DVDs. However, if anyone has got any ideas.....

Thanks in anticipation

 

[Messiah]

Hi Simon,

Your current set up will provide good sound for the TV. Going down the Multi-Channel option is really down to you and whether you think it would be worth the outlay.

There are sevreral options available to you. One would be to get the receiver and a seperate set of (probably) style speaker packages to go with it. You could then run this set up independantly of your stereo set up.

Or, as you have mentioned, you could integrate the speakers you have now into a multi-channel set up. However, I have no expereince with your speakers so I could not suggest suitable partners. You could use the receiver and connect the Royds to it and add the additional speakers. This will be quite simple also but will probably compromise your stereo sound.

The third option is to integrate a multi-channel receiver with front pre-outs into your current stereo system and add the additional speakers. With this option you would still use your CA amp and CD player with your Royds for stereo but you would also use the CA and Royds with the new receiver for surround. (I can explain more on this if necessary)

Again, if the desire for surround sound is minimal than your TV/Freeview connected to your stereo really will be a step up and may be perfect for you.

But if that desire for surround is nagging at you then there are several options for you to choose from........

Over to you.....

 

[Anonymous]

Many thanks for taking the time to reply.

>Again, if the desire for surround sound is minimal than your
TV/Freeview connected to >your stereo really will be a step up and may
be perfect for you.

Yep, I think you've confirmed what my gut was telling me. A 5mx3m lounge is going to get crowded if its sharing space with Hi-Fi speakers and a Surround-Sound set-up. Also, trying to integrate my existing Minstrels into a Surround-Sound set-up is going to lead to tears somewhere (and, having just paid for an extension to the house, I don't want to spend much on extra kit when I'm happy with the existing sound).

I think the final kicker is that we don't watch that many DVDs and are much more into audio.....a direct connection between the TV and my audio set-up it is then!

Many thanks for your advice