Triple threat layout

L

lasteuropean

New Member
Hey everyone, I've been struggling to find the correct configuration. So I am hoping to soundboard off some other enthusiasts for inspiration. =)

So what's driving this? There are a few existing issues, which I'll discuss for each layout.

1. Library Layout
This is the main sound rig. No video, strictly two channel. I'm considering doubling up, using the extra channels (on the Sansui) for the paradigms, but they're rated at almost half the wattage so I don't think it's a wise pairing (same goes for putting them in the Garage with the 8812's). One major issue is this, and all the Sansui's for that matter, have that issue where the one channel, sometimes the entire sound, cuts in and out, and requires the flipping of a seemingly random unrelated switch to correct it (specifically the AU11000, flipping the integrated switch usually fixes the 517's)
The AU11000 might seem as though it's only used used for its phono stage, as I have a ProJect PhonoBox 2, but I really like the preamp of a Sansui, especially the loudness feature. I use the NAD as a power amp because it seems to add a bit of volume.
So the Sansui's do offer some limitations.

Turntable (Thorens TD190)
Pre: Sansui AU11000
Power: Nad352
Polk RTiA9 (L/R)

2. Living Area Layout
This pairing used to be my computer sound rig and has been promoted, but perhaps unduly. At 35 W/channel I'm surprised it handled the Paradigms and Projects as long as it did.

Panasonic Plasma / HDMI / Analog Consoles
Receiver: Harmon Kardon AVR160
Pro-Ject Speakerbox 5 (L/R, used to be surround)
JBL E20 Center
Paradigm 7seMk3 (Used to be L/R, but started putting the HK in Protection mode)

3. Garage
Speakers were left behind. Too beaten for indoor use.
Sansui 517
8812 linear phase studio monitor 240W speakers

(eventually thinking of doing a bi-amp set-up)
Pioneer SA9100 (only works as power amp at the moment)
Sansui 517

Conclusions:
I have way too many. Interested in how someone else might arrange three layouts + had a 2-3 grand to put in to the cause.
 
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Twere me, I'd concentrate on improving the library layout. Incorporate your digital server into that, refurb the Sui (probably just dirty switches, controls, and connections that some TLC would fix) and relegate the living room system as strictly an AV setup AKA home theater. Garage systems never floated my boat, so don't know what to tell ya there.

One thing you won't want to overlook is EQ on your main audio system. Some reasonably affordable DSP solutions now available for that - don't even have to be a rocket scientist to figure them out anymore. <G>
 
lasteuropean said:
My iBasso seems to do the trick there. From what I can gather DSP offers a "bit" more than a DAC would. Is that bit worth it?
Click to expand...

DAC - Digital Analog Converter
DSP - Digital Signal Processing

Apples and oranges ...

Having a good DAC is a good thing in this day and age, so you're covered there, but the DAC is normally just there to get your digital files available to your analog equipment. The DSP I mentioned is either a hardware or software solution that can analyze the room and allow you to tune the system's response to the environment. You CAN use a standard equalizer, but that's difficult at best to tune correctly. Been there - done that.
 
There are DSP's that do the same thing for substantially less money although not automatically. I suggest looking into a Mini DSP, Umik Microphone and REW. REW is a free PC application. If you must have automatic correction the DBX Driverack is worth investigating.

FWIW: I use a Behringer DSP1124P, REW and a UMIK USB microphone in conjunction with a laptop operating as a music server.
 
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