Newbie Home Cinema Questions

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Hi, I've currently got a hi-fi setup (Nait 5i, Monitor Audio RS6 floorstanders, DACMagic and Squeezebox) that I'm happy with and now want to dip into home cinema. Budget is about £750.

I don't really want to fill the room with more large speakers like the rest of the MA speaker package. So, my first thought was a completely separate setup, something like Sony STR DH-800 and a compact Jamo or Boston Acoustics speaker package. But it seems a waste not to be using those floorstanders in there at all.

Is there a better way of doing this?

Andy

 

[chudleighpaul]

You wont go far wrong with the STR DH-800, it is a good amp and reasonably easy to set up, it also supports 7.1 if that rings your bell.

As regard speakers as you say it does seem a shame not to use the RS 6's. I suggest you audition a centre speaker from the same maker, then decide what you are going to do for surrounds.

 

[roger06]

I've 'added on' a Yamaha AV amp to my Nait5i so can still use my Dynaudio 52SEs as fronts. I've added a Dynaudio centre I bought 2nd hand for about £100 as opposed to about £400 new.

However, to complete the Dynaudio set up (rears and sub) would be way too pricey and the smallest speakers are still too large. I reckon this would be your problem with extending the MA kit?

I therefore have a system that's wonderful for 2 channel but is somewhat compromised on 5.1 due to the different speakers used (very old Kef rears and a Paradigm sub).

I've often thought if I could have two separate systems with smaller speakers for the AV set up what I'd lose in not using the Dynaudio fronts would be made up by a good deal improved cohesion and a better overall AV experience.

If you were thinking off adding to your current system then I don't believe the Sony amp you mention has the necessary pre outs...

 

[chudleighpaul]

You're right in that it doesn't have the pre outs, but he is on a budget of £750, and he does have to buy speakers. The Sony amp will set him back about £260 which leaves him £490 to buy a centre sub and surrounds. If he bought the Jamo package then he could consider spending more on the amp.

 

[Anonymous]

But I guess I'd need pre-outs if I was going to make use of the existing speakers wired though the Nait.

Sevenoaks are doing the other Monitor Audio components at a good price, but I'm really put off by the size. And I suspect my gf would be even more upset!

Not being used to surround systems, if I could pick up a cheapish AV with pre-outs, could I mix and match my floorstanders with some compact style rears - Jamo/Kef/Boston whatever - or would that just sound terrible?

 

[Anonymous]

you could buy a yamaha rxv765 for £300 from richer sounds , thats a fine amp (ive got one) and has pre outs ..

connect your rs6s to your stereo amp ..

stereo amp to yamaha..

then youve got £450 for a centre , sats and sub ..

im currently using a pair of rx6 fronts with ma bronze centre , sub and sats and its great for movies ..

you could nearly get those out of your £450 , on ebay .. or even new..sorted..

 

[Anonymous]

Which would be nice, and in budget, but I really don't want the size of the bronze centre/sub/sats.

Really looking for a small style package - but can I/should I integrate those with the floorstanders. That's really my question.

 

[The_Lhc]

I'd say you can for the surrounds but if you try to use a small satellite as your centre speaker you're really going to notice it, the centre channel carries 60% of the soundtrack typically, after all.

 

[Anonymous]

just my tuppence worth,,,

I'd keep your stereo set up as is and get the sony str800 which is a great av amp for the money and add the Boston acoustics soudware XS........................................................job done without taking up to much room!

Sony str 800........£239.95

Boston Acoustics soundware xs £350

leaving £160..........for

SONY BDPS360 £99 and £60 left for speaker cable and 2 That Cable hdmi leads.....