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Split music/movie setup help needed....

lattiboy

lattiboy

Well-Known Member
This will be a bit rambling, so apologies in advance.

I recently finished my garage remodel and decided I would buy some modern equipment (I've been almost all vintage for a while). I picked up:

Elac Debut F6.2s
Elac Debut C6.2
Klipsch R-110SW
Sony STR-DN1060 (got it for $60!)

It's.... fine. The Elacs are truly stellar speakers and the Klipsch booms hard. I'm pretty sure the Sony is the weak link here. Previously, I've used rather exotic and expensive stereo amps and think I got spoiled on that sound. My last "split" setup was an Oppo BDP-103 running into a Denon PMA-1080R monster receiver, but it tragically lacked the center channel.

My question is this:

1) Is there a reasonably priced AVR (used or new) that can bust out the power when needed? My main screen is a projector, so I only need 1080p and basic decoding on the AVR. Not going to do Atmos or 4k for a long while.

2) If there isn't one, what is a good 3-channel amp I could use with the Oppo BDP-103?

3) Is it possible to "cheat" by having a class D amp on just the center channel and use my previous Oppo / Denon system? I mean, I know it's possible, but is it advisable?

PS Would the Denon AVR-X3500H have enough oomph? I can get a really good deal on it, but it seems to be similar in power to my Sony.
 
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An older TOTL AVR may give you more power but 150W vs 105W really isn't that big of a difference. An AVR with multi-channel pre-outs (like the Dennon) would allow you to run external amps for more power...but at some point the Elacs are maxed out and more power doesn't help much.

I would focus on letting the sub(s) do the heavy bass lifting and run the Elacs above 80 Hz. A second sub (or larger subs) may really help give you the big sound you are looking for.
 
"significant" is a fairly subjective term. I've never heard the Sony but I can say that my Marantz SR-5011 more than satisfies me for music and home theater.

Personally, I think the speakers, while excellent for what they are, may be your issue here.For a significant difference in sound, that's where I'd be looking As Don said, they may be operating at their limits and, at some point, throwing more power at them does no good.

Google "thermal compression". http://www.ajaudio.co.uk/Loudspeaker thermal compression.htm
 
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I use an older Myryad 3 channel power amplifier, the MA 360 and it has pretty good headroom so very good power reserves and of course is a high quality musical British design. Pretty sure you can find them reasonably priced these days.


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NAD makes some nice electronics that can be found reasonably priced. They have a smooth sound which makes long term listing enjoyable. I'm not fond of their DVD players, however. They seam to all have. issues after 5 years or so.

At. least the ones I bought for the RV. I use Mcintosh at home. But their just isn't enough space for their stuff in an RV and its pricey for sure. But If you are willing to make a long term investment and are not ready for 4k. You might find a 7205 amp and a MX 121 processor at the right price.

I would look for an Oppo or Better DVD player from Pioneer or Sony. Its funny how some manufacturers make great electronics and others make great players. Very few companies do it all well. I'm fond of Pioneer Ellite. When I retired in 04 Yamaha hadn't made a decent CD or DVD player ever that held up well in years. Pioneer was making great Ellite series products. Sony AVR's were questionable. but their top of the line ESS players were very dependable. Marantz stuff was dependable as was Denons, I just didn't like the sound of the last, two. B&K made great sounding stuff, but none of their HT stuff held up well. Their amps all ran to hot and suffered because of it. Though the 2 channel stuff was OK I guess. I like Crown stuff, but it needed totally rebuilding every 5 to 10 years and the new stuff just doesn't have the quality of the Reference series. D class stuff up until 2004 was just to irritable for me. That includes NADS stuff too. I don't even consider it today. I'm totally Mcintosh again and will stay that way, excepting their speakers. So I would recommend Pioneer Ellite first to save money. And if you win the lottery Mcintosh, or Steinway Lyngdorf. Classe made nice stuff as does Bryston, but that's big money, too.

You can save a fortune buying the right obsolete HT stuff. Every time there's new Gimmick current AVR become obsolete quickly and the prices drop thru the basement.
 
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I have the Sony DN 1050, and power isn’t the problem with it. Also, it’s pretty decent for most stuff. My speakers are super revealing and not super efficient so I would bet the receiver isn’t really holding you back, assuming the build is similar to mine. I second the idea that if you have the settings correct and bass crossed over to the sub it should be ample to drive whatever you need it to. I’m not super thrilled with the onboard DAC so I use an external one, but the amp is decent when supplied a better line signal.

That said, I just ordered a Denon X3500H for my family room. We needed the 4K switching and the price is great right now. It’s slightly less powerful than the Sony, but it has pre-outs so in theory you could add amps where needed and retain all the processing control (eq, levels, bass management). Plus, it has AudessyXT32 which is a step up in the room correction system from most receivers under $1000.
 
Dunno if it will ultimately float your boat but, at $60, it looks new enough you could get a good percentage of your $ back if you choose to sell it.

If only it had pre outs for more than just subs. That said, high passing all the other speakers does take some load off the internal amps.
 
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