Looking to get back in the game

[drdeano]

Hello all,

I've been out of the HT scene for a number of years. After I finished my setup, I decided to give my wallet a break and sit back and enjoy the sounds. As I'm sure you all know, the bug doesn't go away that easily. I will be moving to a new home in a few weeks and will be faced with new dynamics and room setup and also having another important challenge to contend with....pleasing my fiancee.

I think what I need help with, is easing back into this with something that would provide the biggest bang for the buck. After reviewing all my gear, I've come to the conclusion that a receiver should be the next purchase to keep me in relative step with the HT scene..problem is; I don't know ANYTHING about the latest technology!! I have an old Sony 5.1 receiver and it sounds great.. but what is all this stuff about DVD audio, EX etc etc etc!?!? LOL Like I said, I've been out of this for about 3 or 4 years.

Here's what I have:

KLF 30s

KLF 10s

KLF C7

KSF S5

KSW 12

When I move, I will also have built in ceiling speakers which I will have the ability to use for rear effects if needed.

I'm running the KLF10s in parallel with the S5s at the moment for rear surround. The 4 ohm configuration seems to work fine with my receiver, and it sounds amazing!

In my new house, I am looking to upgrade to something that can play the latest software. Like I said, I know nothing about EX or 7.1 or anything. I am confused for example how I would go about using the speakers I have in an EX setup. I am also VERY intersted in the ability to play music equally through all speakers. I have promedias and I LOVE the sound of music through 4 speakers.. but my current receiver doesnt process music like that, it just has cheesy surround effects. SO, if you had the speakers I have at your disposal and roughly $1000 to spend on a receiver.. what would you go with, and how would you arrange the speakers? I pretty much have all available space in the room to work with, and remember the ceiling speakers.

Thank you for your advice, this forum is great!

Regards,

DrD

[damonrpayne]

DVD audio: an format in which the DVD player has at 5-8 analog output channels which go to your sound processor for multi channel music.

DolbyEx: A surround sound format. Using special encoding and playback algorithms, 5.1 channels of sound is matrixed out into 7.1 channels of sound, with the additional 2 channels being placed directly behind the listener.

You'll also want a receiver that does DTS-ES, which is a 6.1 format with both matrix and discrete modes. If $1,000 is your price limit I would pick a receiver from Dennon, Onkyo, Rotel, or Yamaha. Its fairly easy to get a receiver with decent sound and 7.1 outputs and all the current formats. Most of these receivers will have 6-channel input to handle DVD audio. Hope this helps.

[drdeano]

Two additional channels directly behind the listener?

So is it like having a center channel in the rear only they are also independent left and right?? Seems odd. And when you say matrixed, do you mean they are not true programmed channels, but derived from the 5.1 source?

Since this whole "speaker set directly behind the listener" is what is so new to me.. what speakers should I plan on using for this application? Would the S5s do the trick? or would they be too diffuse? Should I be looking for another C7? Again, this is where I get confused since I cant even imagine how those channels would be used in a movie.

I'm thinking of the Denon 3805, having seen it mentioned a few times in some other threads. A good choice? Any tips on a reputable site that has great prices?

Thanks in advance!

-DrD

[whell]

http://forums.klipsch.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=50478&forumID=69&catID=19&search=1&searchstring=&sessionID={84E2AA08-716D-4451-BB95-F117DFDE6D2C}

You're looking to get in, and for a host of reasons including financial, I'm looking to get out. Check out this recent post above about the HT receiver I'm selling. If you're open to used equipment, the unit is only about 2 years old. The only "new technology" it doesn't have is Pro Logic II (it does have Pro Logic), which to me is no biggie.

[gcoker]

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On 6/21/2004 2:27:58 PM drdeano wrote:

Two additional channels directly behind the listener?

So is it like having a center channel in the rear only they are also independent left and right?? Seems odd. And when you say matrixed, do you mean they are not true programmed channels, but derived from the 5.1 source?

Since this whole "speaker set directly behind the listener" is what is so new to me.. what speakers should I plan on using for this application? Would the S5s do the trick? or would they be too diffuse? Should I be looking for another C7? Again, this is where I get confused since I cant even imagine how those channels would be used in a movie.

I'm thinking of the Denon 3805, having seen it mentioned a few times in some other threads. A good choice? Any tips on a reputable site that has great prices?

Thanks in advance!

-DrD

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You are correct..There is only a 6.1 format out. The 7.1 and higher split

the rear surround into two outputs. The "rear center" fills out the surround

sound. Only DTS-ES is true 6 channels. DD-EX matrix the surround channels

for the rear. I am using 6.1 and use another center channel speaker. The

newer 8.1 ad 9.1 formats place a "front effects speaker between the front

mains and the center. This format along with 7.1 are processed by the

receiver and not formatted on the DVD. I have heard nothing but high remarks

on Denon and the 3805. As far as reputable sites I have great luck

from Crutchfields. Good Luck