adding larger speakers to a 5.1 system possible?

Mark A · 29 Jan 2015 at 14:32

Hi,

I was thinking of maybe getting a Yamaha rx-v377 and pairing it with a cheap 5.1 system like the Warfedale DX1 HCP and then getting a pair of Warfedale Diamond 220 speakers to replace the front left and right channel for better music playback in 2.0/2.1 mode. Would it be okay to do this or would that mess the sound up in 5.1 for movies?

I'd love to just drop £1k+ on a 5.1 system like the BRONZE BX2 5.1 WALNUT that i have seen, but it would be overkill for my needs. I'd never be able to listen to it loud enough to do it justice. Maybe one day if I have a detached house and a nice spacious living room, just need that lottery win...

Jano · 29 Jan 2015 at 15:43

You'd want to make sure the front three speakers, Left, Centre, Right all match up to make sure things dont get too messed up on Movies. Regarding the second part of your post, sometimes getting bigger/better speakers isn't about playing things loudly, it's about getting quality at all volume levels.

Smaller, cheaper speakers sometimes need to be driven much harder than better quality ones.

Mark A · 29 Jan 2015 at 18:20

Thanks. I did think the centre might need to match. Warfdale do appear to make a Diamond 101C Centre Speaker that should match the left and right, but then then I'm looking at around £750 for everything. I'm wondering if it would just be best to go for the proper setup for a bit more.

It's a shame I can't seem to find a Warfedale full diamond 5.1 setup. I really like the looks of the 220 speakers and the reviews for them seem very good.

The Yamaha RX-V677 w/ Monitor Audio BX2 for £1,079 I have found seems good, but from a few reviews I have read it says the speakers are picky about the amp/receiver. But with this combo being on quite a few sites I assume this receiver will work well with the speakers?

I need to get down to a store to sample them, but just trying to work out roughly what I am after before wasting mine and the stores time.

Jano · 29 Jan 2015 at 21:41

I've not heard the speakers but historically monitor audios do tend to work well with yammy amps.

El_Watcher · 30 Jan 2015 at 11:43

Mark A said:
I really like the looks of the 220 speakers and the reviews for them seem very good.

That really isn't a good way to choose speakers

And reviews are not always the best because the sound produced for the reviewer may not be to their taste, but may be to yours.

Best option would be to go to your local hifi dealer (Richer Sounds, SuperFi, Sevenoaks etc) and actually listen to some speakers connected to amps. You will get a much better idea of what works well together.

Mark A · 30 Jan 2015 at 15:11

Ha, yeah the sound is more important, but i have to admit i'd want them to look good as well. Luckily most seem to look good these days, but the Warfedales have a nice classic look that i like.

I'll definitely be having a listen, but i'm sure that anything i hear will sound better than this boomy logitec system im using.

Found a Warfedale Diamond 5.1 system from a store that's not far from me (Audiovisual online). It's only a small store in Bacup, so not sure they would offer the option of listening to it first, i'll have to ring them. Can't seem to find it anywhere else for some reason..

Thanks for the replies, if anyone has any suggestions of alternative systems that would be good for films and music worth checking out then feel free to post them.

Or if anyone thinks it would be better to go for a cheaper 5.1 system and a separate stereo amp and pair of quality speakers for music i'd love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers