Upgrading to 5.1

[hybridauth_Google_117949439720551066952]

Hi there,

I'm looking to upgrade my hi-fi to upgrade to 5.1. I already have an SACD compatible Blu-Ray player. I have a decent N3 Amp and Morduant Short speakers.

I want a configuration that at least maintains this quality of sound, but with the extra channels to take advantage of some of the recent remixes of classic records, such as Dark Side of The Moon, Violator, etc.

I'm after sound quality at a reasonable price trade-off (~£500-£1000). Quite happy to run speaker cable under the floorboars, rather than paying more for wireless (which will no doubt require an analogue>digital>analgue sound conversion if listening to vinyl).

Any thoughts?

Rob.

 

[Al ears]

Hi there,

I'm looking to upgrade my hi-fi to upgrade to 5.1. I already have an SACD compatible Blu-Ray player. I have a decent N3 Amp and Morduant Short speakers.

I want a configuration that at least maintains this quality of sound, but with the extra channels to take advantage of some of the recent remixes of classic records, such as Dark Side of The Moon, Violator, etc.

I'm after sound quality at a reasonable price trade-off (~£500-£1000). Quite happy to run speaker cable under the floorboars, rather than paying more for wireless (which will no doubt require an analogue>digital>analgue sound conversion if listening to vinyl).

Any thoughts?

Rob.

Just one, your budget.

To successfully get good quality it's going to cost, I feel, and cannot understand why you would want to do this just to listen to the, quite limited, amount of 5.1 material around.

You're going to have to seriously downgrade your current sound quality to get it within your budget, and why Dow this when you can just listen in good quality stereo. These sort of discs have been made for those that already own a home cinema set-up.

I might be lucky enough to have a very good stereo set-up upstairs and good home cinema set-up downstairs and, apart from the surround effects, I know which set-up I prefer for music quality.

Apologies, I guess that really didn't help a lot, and welcome to the forum. ;-)

 

[hybridauth_Google_117949439720551066952]

Err... no it didn't.

Anyone with a more practical suggestion?

 

[jonathanRD]

I agree with Al ears but for a practical suggestion, try to find a second hand AVR with pre-outs. Yamaha and Arcam receivers are known to be good with music.

The pre-outs will allow you to keep your 2 channel set up but also use the amps surround sound features for the SACD. Use the pre-outs to feed your 2 channel amp but you will have to match the levels of the two amps for 5.1 stuff.

Just get some extra speakers and sub with the remaining budget. Try to get some 2nd hand speakers to match your MS's. Depending on what's left over in budget terms, BK subs are good VFM.

 

[Al ears]

I agree with Al ears but for a practical suggestion, try to find a second hand AVR with pre-outs. Yamaha and Arcam receivers are known to be good with music.

The pre-outs will allow you to keep your 2 channel set up but also use the amps surround sound features for the SACD. Use the pre-outs to feed your 2 channel amp but you will have to match the levels of the two amps for 5.1 stuff.

Just get some extra speakers and sub with the remaining budget. Try to get some 2nd hand speakers to match your MS's. Depending on what's left over in budget terms, BK subs are good VFM.

That may be a solution but matching levels is never easy.

If you want 5.1 the best way is simply to buy an AV amp.

 

[Al ears]

I agree with Al ears but for a practical suggestion, try to find a second hand AVR with pre-outs. Yamaha and Arcam receivers are known to be good with music.

The pre-outs will allow you to keep your 2 channel set up but also use the amps surround sound features for the SACD. Use the pre-outs to feed your 2 channel amp but you will have to match the levels of the two amps for 5.1 stuff.

Just get some extra speakers and sub with the remaining budget. Try to get some 2nd hand speakers to match your MS's. Depending on what's left over in budget terms, BK subs are good VFM.

Sorry, double post.

 

[steve_1979]

If you want 5.1 a good AV receiver is the best option.

Have a look on the second hand market as receivers drop massively in value after the first few years. It's not uncommon to see almost new £1000+ receivers selling for around £200 even when they are only a couple of years old. Huge bargains to be had.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_100004211376004]

Especially some of Arcams digital processing units can be had for stupid money considering their rrp on release.

 

[gasolin]

Q acoustics 2010/2020 and the center channel with a good sub is a good start