Some rather unexpected system changes...

[Mr_Sukebe]

I've been running an AV processor as a streamer/dac/pre-amp for a good while now (Meridian 861v4 with and ID40 and LPS).
Having compared it to a number of other digital sources (e.g. Linn DS Akurate) I'm pretty convinced that it's still competitive sounding in the marketplace.

I've made some changes, thought I'd mention them here.

The first is regarding the number of channels.
The 861 is a full 7.1 processor. Can't do atmos, but will happily deal with BD HD audio and also SACDs. In addition, Meridian have a mode called "trifield", which generates additional "surround" on the rear channels from stereo music. It really can add a feeling of 3d depth to what you're listening to.
Well just recently ran some comparisons and came to a fairly unanimous opinion, i.e. that whilst the "depth" is nice, I personally just don't get on with having a band member somewhere over my left or right shoulder. That was regardless of whether it was in trifield or SACD. Additionally, (and maybe this was down to me screwing things up in settings), but the bass always sounded a bit weird in surround. So, gone the whole hog and have completely ditched the rear speakers, and not just in music, but for movies/TV too. Sure, I don't get rear effects, but after living with it for a month, really can't say I miss the effects that much, and prefer the improved sound from just straight stereo.

Part 2 was just an opportunity. We're having a conservatory built. For that, it's going to have a new mains circuit added for the lighting and underfloor heating. Seemed a bit remiss to not ask them to put in an additional circuit at the same time that has added 4 new sockets into the lounge just for the stereo. Some people might think I'm nuts, but the cost really was minimal as the work was being done already, and I do think that it "might" have helped.

Lastly, with the sale of the rears (which were pretty good Wilson Benesch), couldn't resist buying a second sub. The plan being to have a dedicated sub for each of the stereo fronts. They'll both be used sparingly, (i.e. only below 30hz), but it'll be interesting to see how that works out. Picked up another REL yesterday and will be getting it up and running when a new neutric lead arrives sometime this week.

So several changes, so far so good...

 

[Richeh]

I am not familiar with your setup whatsoever and glad its better for you but just out of curiosity, why ditch the rear speakers and not just play the source purely so its only in stereo?

I would agree that most of the time music sounds better as intended but for films the sides/rears add a lot for me (although I have 7.1).

 

[Mr_Sukebe]

I am not familiar with your setup whatsoever and glad its better for you but just out of curiosity, why ditch the rear speakers and not just play the source purely so its only in stereo?

I would agree that most of the time music sounds better as intended but for films the sides/rears add a lot for me (although I have 7.1).

Good question.
I ran my system like that on and off for quite a while. Key points were:
- I was quite happy with movies down-mixed into stereo. As mentioned, you lose the rear effects, but the fronts actually sounded better. Have to say that I've no idea why the fronts sounded better, but they certainly did
- By freeing up the rears, I get to sell them. The missus like's it as it cleans up the lounge and facilitates the potential for a different type of sofa in our lounge
- Linked to the above, the rears I had were rather good. By ditching them, it recovered a good chunk of cash, for example, enough to buy a decent PC base unit for my son

 

[DarkMatter]

Good question.
I ran my system like that on and off for quite a while. Key points were:
- I was quite happy with movies down-mixed into stereo. As mentioned, you lose the rear effects, but the fronts actually sounded better. Have to say that I've no idea why the fronts sounded better, but they certainly did
- By freeing up the rears, I get to sell them. The missus like's it as it cleans up the lounge and facilitates the potential for a different type of sofa in our lounge
- Linked to the above, the rears I had were rather good. By ditching them, it recovered a good chunk of cash, for example, enough to buy a decent PC base unit for my son

I did this a few years ago, my setup went from 5.2 to 5.1 to 3.1 to 2.1 to 2.0

From now on I think I will always just stick with stereo unless I managed to find a room to convert to a home cinema as the clutter/cost isn't worth the small performance increase unless you can set it up perfectly.



Adding your own ring for AV is worth it if it doesn't cost too much. My current house only has half of the downstairs on one ring, the only devices plugged in is the TV & devices along with my computer and I get absolutely zero hum.