[keysersoze123]

Hi everyone,

If I invest in an expensive stereo system, is is possible to use it as part of a 5.1 surround sound setup when desired?

As in, when watching TV, could I watch films on my TV, using my stereo amp and high quality front speakers, and somehow add in a cheaper center speaker and rear speakers, which I only use when I want surround sound?

I don't have the money to get a really really good quality 5.1 setup, but I could buy a very nice stereo.

Would I drive the other (lesser quality) speakers with a separate multichannel amp and still get a nice surround sound experience? Or could I just even get cheapish powered center and rear speakers, and use them at the same time as my high quality front speakers, to get some sort of ok-ish surround sound experience?

In fact, would it be preferable to get a cheapish (sub £1000, maybe £500ish) surround sound system for my TV, and run it alongside my stereo..

Would my top notch speakers sound out of sync if I used them at the same time as some cheapish surround sound speakers. Would the 2 expensive front speakers sort of end up overpowering the other speakers (rears, center and sub), and lead to an undesirable surround sound effect?

Thanks

[CJROSS]

Keyser. I for many years used a 2.1 based stereo system, with a sub off a pre-output. I can say I would easily revert to that for TV/DVD. Get a good amp, and a good set of standmounts, add a good sub (adds a huge affect to TV & DVD viewing I feel).

[deaf cat]

Key123 Errrmmm... would it not just be an idea to stay stereo, if your picky about sound surely you may notice a drop in quality of the cheaper center, rears, and their associated cheap amps...when watching TV, or would that be just me

[steveparadox]

Hello,
I would say the best way for you is to have your nice stereo system and also a cheaper surround sound (av) amp and send the front preouts from the surround amp to and aux in on the stereo amp with the av amp doing the center and surround speakers. That way you wont need extra speakers at the front. Sound quality will be fine as you can set the levels in the av amp so the speakers are all the same level when sitting in your listening position.

This is exactly how my system is set up using and Onkyo av for surround feeding an Audiolab 8000a and 8000P combo to do the fronts and it sounds awesome.

Steve

[keysersoze123]

Hey guys thanks for all your response.

I think I might forget about surround sound for the moment, and concentrate on getting a really good stereo, and use it for my TV as well, I'm gonna start a new thread cos I think I might get more response that way,

Thanks

[CJROSS]

Originally Posted by keysersoze123

Hey guys thanks for all your response.

I think I might forget about surround sound for the moment, and concentrate on getting a really good stereo, and use it for my TV as well, I'm gonna start a new thread cos I think I might get more response that way,

Thanks

A good focal point of what you are about to look at for a stereo system will be using a DAC for digital outputs from TV (Sky box or Freeview PVR or TV) also routing a DVD players towards it for CD & DVD-V use will be a good idea.

[BlueWizard]

An AV amp is a 5 or 7 channel amp, with additional output for a Subwoofer.

A stereo amp is a 2 channel amp, and may also have some provision for Subwoofer outputs.

No matter how many speaker you add to a stereo amp, it still only has two channels, so...no...you can't add a center, though you could add rears, but I've found it is better to double up on the front, than to add rears.

Photo seen here -

http://www.avforums.com/forums/attac...diamond-sm.jpg

With the configuration shown in the photo above, I have fantastic DVD playback and top notch crystal clear TV audio. With the amount of air I am moving, I really don't see a need for a subwoofer. The bass is so heavy you can practically see the wall ripple as shockwaves radiate out for the speakers. Though I've considered selling my 12" speakers, and getting a couple of Subs. II think at the moment though, I'm just to cheap to talk myself into it. What I have does a great job of it.

So, yes, a stereo can be great for playing DVD's. True you don't get the whooshing zooming special effects, but with a good stereo system, I doubt that you will notice it.

So, no you can't turn a stereo amp into a surround sound system, but if you have a good enough stereo system, you won't miss the whooshing and zooming at all.

Now, at some point on the future, if you want to upgrade to a surround sound system, you will have to by a multi-channel surround sound amp. No way around that.

As to a front and back setup with stereo, that can certainly fill the room with sound, but in my case, it place the rear speaker too close to were I normally sit. The entire experience was dominated by the closest speaker. So, I move everything back to the front, which works good for me.

Again, I can't see you room, so I can't say who it will work for you, but there is nothing wrong with front and rear speakers on a stereo. Assuming, the total impedance per channel does not drop below 4 ohms.

Steve/bluewizard

[keysersoze123]

Originally Posted by BlueWizard

An AV amp is a 5 or 7 channel amp, with additional output for a Subwoofer.

A stereo amp is a 2 channel amp, and may also have some provision for Subwoofer outputs.

No matter how many speaker you add to a stereo amp, it still only has two channels, so...no...you can't add a center, though you could add rears, but I've found it is better to double up on the front, than to add rears.

Photo seen here -

http://www.avforums.com/forums/attac...diamond-sm.jpg

With the configuration shown in the photo above, I have fantastic DVD playback and top notch crystal clear TV audio. With the amount of air I am moving, I really don't see a need for a subwoofer. The bass is so heavy you can practically see the wall ripple as shockwaves radiate out for the speakers. Though I've considered selling my 12" speakers, and getting a couple of Subs. II think at the moment though, I'm just to cheap to talk myself into it. What I have does a great job of it.

So, yes, a stereo can be great for playing DVD's. True you don't get the whooshing zooming special effects, but with a good stereo system, I doubt that you will notice it.

So, no you can't turn a stereo amp into a surround sound system, but if you have a good enough stereo system, you won't miss the whooshing and zooming at all.

Now, at some point on the future, if you want to upgrade to a surround sound system, you will have to by a multi-channel surround sound amp. No way around that.

As to a front and back setup with stereo, that can certainly fill the room with sound, but in my case, it place the rear speaker too close to were I normally sit. The entire experience was dominated by the closest speaker. So, I move everything back to the front, which works good for me.

Again, I can't see you room, so I can't say who it will work for you, but there is nothing wrong with front and rear speakers on a stereo. Assuming, the total impedance per channel does not drop below 4 ohms.

Steve/bluewizard

Thanks Steve, some interesting points in there. But as I pointed out in my original post I realise I would need a separate multichannel AVR to do surround sound (or alternatively cheapish powered speakers). I thought I could have my high end stereo, and somehow use a cheap multichannel amp to power all the other speakers, which I would use in unison with my stereo, when watching TV.

[BlueWizard]

Well, it seems that you want a cheap surround system AND a good stereo system. Well...the easiest way to do that is to have a cheap surround system and a good stereo. Connect your music sources to the stereo, and the video sources to the surround system.

Actually, and obviously, I'm being slightly sarcastic. But, I've often thought about doing this. In fact, if I were to have an AV system, it would be one of each; one surround and one completely separate stereo.

It is possible to interconnect the two through the pre-amp outputs.

But, I also think that a good stereo system is going to sound better for video than a cheap surround system. I mean, you can go down to the local general merchandising store and pick up a complete dirt cheap surround sound system. But what will you have in the end...a dirt cheap surround system which as I'm trying to point out, will never equal a good stereo.

Personally, I would keep my nice floorstanding stereo system, and add a nice, but basic, surround sound system. But a good basic surround sound system is going to cost about £750.

So, that's what it gets down to. A small cheap surround sound system is small and cheap. A good surround system is not cheap. Somewhere you have to make a decisions as to what your priorities are.

Steve/bluewizard

[trailer]

It's entirely possible to have both!
I do this now and I am more than happy with the results. Start with your stereo system and get that set up to your liking.
Once you are happy with that then get yourself an AV amp, a decent centre speaker and a couple of rear surrounds. Whether you require a sub or not will depend on the bass response of your stereo system, room acoustics and personal preferences.
An option to look for when you buy your stereo amp is to see if it has a mode usually called unity gain which will disable its volume control for one of its inputs. This means that the AV amp will control the volume of the stereo amp and thus the main speakers so you won't have to worry about setting the volume levels every time you switch between stereo and AV sources.

[CJROSS]

Great thread to read about Stereo v 5.1 Surround below - how to get the best from both scenarios when you are constrained by system type. My advice is always to work from a stereo aspect (system wise) as most of the listening will be done in that scenario (TV, Radio, PC, CD, LP etc) and when you get a very good “downmix” ability you can really enjoy the AV side of DVD via stereo, note that adding a sub has a major impact to that effect IMHO. If most of your listening is 5.1 then you need a 5.1 system.

Anyone ditched 5.1 in favour of stereo?

(Power to stereo!)

FWIW the price you see cheap AV amps here in the classifieds, it is very easy to create a decent 5.1 system for pennies. But as with all things in life, quality wise - your budget for 2 channels over 5 channels wil lshow some real dividends when listening to 2 channel material on a price comparable 5 channel system (IMHO & IMPE)

[BlueWizard]

There is a way to merge a stereo system into a surround sound system in a way that allows both systems to share the same front speakers.

To do this, the front two amp channels on your AV amp go unused. Instead on connect the Pre-Amp output of the AV amp to one of the stereo inputs of the Stereo amp. Now everything that plays in the AV amp, will be heard in the stereo amp.

When you want stereo, you just use the stereo amp and the front speakers. When you want surround sound, you use the Stereo amp for the front speakers, and the surround amp for the rest of the speakers.

But, you give up a little control when you do this. When connected like this, the front speakers are no longer front channels, but are full range speakers. You lose the ability to apply bass management to the front speakers.

Still, a few people do this and like it, it gives them the best of both world with only slight compromises; compromises that they find easy to live with. I personally think this works better with larger speakers systems, but then, that's just my opinion.

The difference between the two is one more pair of speakers. Personally, I would prefer to add the extra speakers and have two completely independent systems. Big floorstanding for stereo, and basic bookshelf/Sub for the surround sound.

Steve/bluewizard

[trailer]

Originally Posted by BlueWizard

But, you give up a little control when you do this. When connected like this, the front speakers are no longer front channels, but are full range speakers. You lose the ability to apply bass management to the front speakers.

Wrong. The settings in the AV amp should apply to the pre-outs as well the speaker outs. Using an amp that has the unity gain option you have a direct mode through the amp and gain all the benefits of having the better quality stereo amp and speakers for the main front two channels. The surround channels aren't so important. The centre channel is a different matter altogether.

[steveparadox]

Originally Posted by BlueWizard

There is a way to merge a stereo system into a surround sound system in a way that allows both systems to share the same front speakers.

To do this, the front two amp channels on your AV amp go unused. Instead on connect the Pre-Amp output of the AV amp to one of the stereo inputs of the Stereo amp. Now everything that plays in the AV amp, will be heard in the stereo amp.

When you want stereo, you just use the stereo amp and the front speakers. When you want surround sound, you use the Stereo amp for the front speakers, and the surround amp for the rest of the speakers.

But, you give up a little control when you do this. When connected like this, the front speakers are no longer front channels, but are full range speakers. You lose the ability to apply bass management to the front speakers.

Still, a few people do this and like it, it gives them the best of both world with only slight compromises; compromises that they find easy to live with. I personally think this works better with larger speakers systems, but then, that's just my opinion.

The difference between the two is one more pair of speakers. Personally, I would prefer to add the extra speakers and have two completely independent systems. Big floorstanding for stereo, and basic bookshelf/Sub for the surround sound.

Steve/bluewizard

Pretty much what I said in post #4 then.

[keysersoze123]

Originally Posted by BlueWizard

There is a way to merge a stereo system into a surround sound system in a way that allows both systems to share the same front speakers.

To do this, the front two amp channels on your AV amp go unused. Instead on connect the Pre-Amp output of the AV amp to one of the stereo inputs of the Stereo amp. Now everything that plays in the AV amp, will be heard in the stereo amp.

Hi Steve, would the sound quality of the stereo speakers be at all compromised by the fact that the sound signal has passed through the AV amp?

Or would the music signal leave the AV amp exactly as it arrived, so the AV amp would do nothing to the music signal, and the end result would be that the front stereo speakers sound exactly the same as if the music was just going direct into the stereo amp, with no AV amp involved?

Hope that makes sense?

[trailer]

Originally Posted by keysersoze123

Hi Steve, would the sound quality of the stereo speakers be at all compromised by the fact that the sound signal has passed through the AV amp?

Or would the music signal leave the AV amp exactly as it arrived, so the AV amp would do nothing to the music signal, and the end result would be that the front stereo speakers sound exactly the same as if the music was just going direct into the stereo amp, with no AV amp involved?

Hope that makes sense?

The sound will be altered going through the AV amp. It will have to be processed to give you the 5.1 feed plus any other adjustment to the settings you have done. Think of it as the AV amp as a preamp for the 5.1 channels. The AV is the power amp for the rears and centre and the stereo amp is the power amp for the fronts.

In a nutshell if your stereo amp is of better quality than your AV amp then any comprise using the AV amp will be more than better by using the stereo amp for the fronts.

[Gaspode_TWD]

Firstly this is very much IMHO.

A good stereo will be the biggest step forward your film viewing experience will take. I've experimented with 5.1 channels and have reverted to 2.1 (sub signal at high level from the power amp.) Surround can add something to the experience but its not essential. Indeed, given that many of the films I like are pre-stereo, it often adds precious little or nothing.

The surround sound was with a Denon AVC-A1SE and Monitor Audio Silver series speakers, so think I gave it a fair chance.

If you listen to TV through your hifi consider whether you need a centre speaker. Unless you find that the dialogue is detached from the screen or is not easy to hear I wouldn't bother. I get a very good central sound image from my hifi and can see no reason to spend more on amps and speakers.

I may, eventually, add rear speakers for the films that it'd be nice to hear with that extra bit (e.g. Matrix) but I feel the best sound in stereo is first. Only add what you feel is lacking.

[trailer]

Originally Posted by Gaspode_TWD

Indeed, given that many of the films I like are pre-stereo, it often adds precious little or nothing.

Good point. If the majority of your media is stereo then there is no point in mixing it up to surround. It usually sounds like Girls Aloud at an audition for X-Factor.

However, a good surround mix, for instance Top Gun, should really be viewed/listened to on a 5.1 set up.

[Allinone]

If your really, really need/ want the best of both worlds the way to acheive it is to have a dedicated stereo amp and a dedicated AV/ Surround amp/s.

The front/ L&R speakers can be shared between amps using a speaker relay box, meanwhile connect the centre, sides, rears, sub/s etc as normal.

Most high-end amps usually feature a "trigger" or "closure" on start up, match this to the speaker relay and you don't need a fancy control system to switch it for you.

[BlueWizard]

Originally Posted by Allinone

If your really, really need/ want the best of both worlds the way to acheive it is to have a dedicated stereo amp and a dedicated AV/ Surround amp/s.

The front/ L&R speakers can be shared between amps using a speaker relay box, meanwhile connect the centre, sides, rears, sub/s etc as normal.

...

If sharing the front speakers between systems is important to you, then the only option is to do as I and others have suggested, and get an AV amp and replace the front channels with a complete stereo system.

If the stereo amp is a power amp, they you need to run all your input sources through the AV amp. If the stereo amp is an integrated amp, then you can connect your music sources, like the CD Player, directly to the stereo, and have your video sources connected to the AV amp.

You can run the stereo without the AV amp, but you can't run the AV amp without the stereo, because the stereo will be providing the front speakers.

However, if you want two totally separate system, then no relay box is going to allow them to share the front speakers. While you might get it to work, it is very error prone and dangerous to amps and speakers.

It you want this level of separation, then the only thing to do is to buy another set of speakers, and have two unique and separate systems.

No matter what, you are going to have to make some compromises, you just need to decide which compromise you are willing to make and which you are not willing to make.

Steve/bluewizard

[BlueWizard]

Relays, or other switching mechanisms, in and of themselves, are not a problem.

But I suspect the relays systems on all 'the worlds most expensive AV/ multi-room installs' were neither easy or cheap, nor were they completely not error prone.

It is always dangerous to connect two amps to one speaker. Even the relay systems, or switching systems, must be break before make to prevent both amps from being connected at the same time. It must also be free of any transients cause but the circuit making and breaking.

Simply buying a new pair of speakers has virtually ZERO chance of error, and is there fore a very safe option for those not inclined to building or buying complex electronic or mechanical switching systems.

Now, I'm not discounting your point, within certain bounds, you are right. But I do object to you discounting my point. We don't know the users skill level, and the truth is, I've seen few to none of these relay switching systems available to the average consumer. I really don't think it is as easy or cheap as you are making it out. Though, if a person can find it, and if a person can figure out how to use it, and if a person can afford it, then it might be a viable option.

Still, how hard is it to connect another pair of speakers. Put the biggest and best speakers on the stereo, and add some decent bookshelf to the front of the AV, and you are there.

However, rather that separating the systems and yet still trying to have them drive the same front speakers, it makes far more sense to integrate the stereo into the AV system, and have the stereo driving the front speakers all the time. Lots of people do this with great success. But like anything, there are a few minor compromises.

By the time it is all said and done, and all the research and labor are in, I really don't think a relay box is going to cost a mere 'few quid'. But then, that's just my opinion. In general, its not a bad idea, but it is nearly impossible to tell, if it is a good idea for this particular individual.

But then, that's just my opinion.

Steve/bluewizard

[bxd]

Hi,

They are a bit dated now but why not pick up a Yamaha E-800 surround amp (processor+centre+rear power amps) of the classifieds. They go for well less than £100. They won't do the advanced audio codecs off bluray (I'm not sure if it has a 5.1 input either) but you'll get DD and dts OK.

It's pretty reasonable quality and integrates well with your main system.

Brian

[keysersoze123]

OK, so assuming my stereo amp is a high quality integrated amp, it will likely give me much better sound quality with my front 2 speakers than an AV amp (unless I spend a fortune on the AV amp).

So, if I decide to forget about surround sound, how is the best way to connect my TV to a stereo 2 channel speaker system? Do I want to process Sky/PS3 etc through a DAC - otherwise the 'source' sound going into the amp will be pretty shabby (compared to, for example, a good CD player). Could I run the Sky/PS3 audio etc through a CD player and use the CD player's internal DAC? (I actually plan to get a Linn DS as my source though...).

If I decide later on I want surround sound as well, for movies, I don't see why I can't drive the front 2 speakers through my stereo, and then use a separate AV amp to drive the further 3.1 speakers.. And do so without having to run the stereo amp through the AV amp, because then the pre-amp section of the AV amp will affect sound quality...

But no, it seems I must connect the stereo amp to an AV amp... And in doing so, the AV amp will always affect sound quality, acting as a pre-amp.

So, if I got surround sound, and wanted to watch some of my TV through only 2 speakers at times, stereo listening would sound worse than if I had never got surround sound in the first place... even though the sound would be going through exactly the same stereo amp and speakers...!!! Because the AV amp would be mucking about with the sound, even when I wanted to listen in 2 channel, it would still process the signal.

It just seems crazy you can't have top quality stereo sound through your front 2 speakers, untainted by any AV amp processing, and let the other 3.1 speakers be dealt with by the AV amp? Why can't the AV amp just leave the 2 channel signal alone, and let it all be dealt with by the stereo amp?!

I can't believe there aren't certain AV amps that would let you do this...

[trailer]

I think you're missing something a wee bit here.

The AV amp won't affect the sound quality as much as you think it will. You will only need this if you want to run it in 5.1 anyway to get the correct processing of the separate channels. Otherwise the fronts will get the full downmixed 5.1 channels.

Don't forget you could always run a separate feed from the TV etc if you have enough outputs direct to the stereo amp to get the best of both worlds.

If you have the Sky+/HD box and want to use the optical out into a DAC remember that the vast majority of external DAC's are stereo only. If you want to feed the optical 5.1 you will definitely need an AV amp with an optical in.

I have my system set up as follows:

Sky to AV amp & DVD to AV amp. Everything else goes direct to the integrated either directly or via a DAC.

To swap between listening between the stereo independently and the AV amp all I need to do is press a input select button on the stereo amp.

[keysersoze123]

Originally Posted by trailer

I think you're missing something a wee bit here.
Don't forget you could always run a separate feed from the TV etc if you have enough outputs direct to the stereo amp to get the best of both worlds.

Sorry I don't think I quite understand what you mean by this? I've been asking all along if I can run my TV/PS3 etc straight to the stereo amp, and the answer is no, it has to go through the AV amp (if I want an AV amp as well), so I think I've misunderstood what you mean above?

The best of both worlds is basically what I've been asking for the whole time!

Originally Posted by trailer

Sky to AV amp & DVD to AV amp. Everything else goes direct to the integrated either directly or via a DAC.

By everything else do you mean music only sources?

Originally Posted by trailer

To swap between listening between the stereo independently and the AV amp all I need to do is press a input select button on the stereo amp.

Is this switching between stereo music and AV mulitchannel sound? Or switching between stereo TV and multichannel TV listening as well...?

[trailer]

1. You only have to run it through the AV amp if you want surround sound. If you want stereo only then you can run it direct to the stereo amp.
2. Yes
3. Both. My CD and streamer don't go anywhere near my AV amp.

Sorry if I thought you hadn't misunderstood. It is a bit confusing to put explanations such as this this onto paper!

[keysersoze123]

Originally Posted by trailer

1. You only have to run it through the AV amp if you want surround sound. If you want stereo only then you can run it direct to the stereo amp.
2. Yes
3. Both. My CD and streamer don't go anywhere near my AV amp.

Sorry if I thought you hadn't misunderstood. It is a bit confusing to put explanations such as this this onto paper!

Thanks, yeah it all gets very confusing if you dedicate loads of time to posting/reading about it, but then you take a step back and things become a bit clearer.

But yeah, thanks for your posts (the big one, and the short one elaborating) they were very helpful indeed.

Cheers

[BlueWizard]

I think doing as Trailer suggests hinges on your TV having analog Audio Outputs.

This is how I have my stereo connected to my A/V system.

I have a 100 watt Yamaha Stereo Receiver, a pair of Diamond 9.6 floorstanding speakers, a Sony Bravia LCD TV, and a Philips DVD Player.

I connect the DVD to the TV via HDMI, then I connect the stereo analog Audio Out of the Sony TV to the DVD inputs of my stereo amp.

Now I can listen to DVD movies in all their thundering grandeur, and my DVD player doubles as a CD player. The DACs in the DVD are poor, but the DACs in my TV are pretty good, so audio CD's sound about as good as I could expect them to be when the TV decodes the signal and sends it out the Audio Outs.

For common TV, the sound quality is excellent. I have my other audio sources like my turntable connected directly to the stereo.

Just to confuse things a little more, I have a second set of 12" 3-way speakers connected to a second stereo amp, the incoming signal to the second amp comes from the Pre-Amp outputs of the first Yamaha amp.

With this whole system running during action videos, you can practically see the walls of the room ripple as shock waves come out of the speakers.

I don't feel I'm missing very much when it comes to video sound. True, I don't really get the room filling whooshing zooming special effects. But, personally, I would rather dump all the money into a much better stereo, than compromise the stereo by spending extra money on a stereo and a surround sound.

Don't get me wrong, I do see the benefits of having a surround sound system. But unless I have money to burn, I'm not wasting it on a surround sound at the compromise of my stereo.

However, if I really did have money to burn, I would have one of each. Massive floorstanders and a stereo amp for music, and a completely separate bookshelf/subwoofer/AV_amp system for movies. Likely, common TV would still play through my stereo.

Now, it is a fact that people here in this forum, who are trying to get the best of both worlds, will replace there front channels with a complete stereo system. Run the Stereo from the AV amp pre-amp outs, and let the stereo run the front speakers for both music and video. As I've pointed out, there may be a few slight compromises in a set up like this. Most don't mind this at all, they are more than happy to have a solid stereo amp for music, and equally content to have an AV amp for video watching.

That is probably the best choice, but only if one does not compromise the other. If you are starting from scratch with a fix limited budget, go one way or the other, but not both. Once you have a good stereo or a equally good AV system, and you have another large pile of money to spend, add what you don't already have.

Keep in mind that AV amps are amps, they work fine for music. Far more people are satisfied to buy an AV system and play music through it. That is probably the best of both worlds for a reasonable amount of money. However, for those who are a purist, and those for whom music is extremely important, they really want a stereo for music, but at the same time don't want to give up their AV system. So, they spend a substantial pile of money to blend a stereo in the front with an AV system covering the rest.

So, despite all my rambling, my point is, if you do this blending of systems, it has to be done in a way that doing so does not water down either system. You don't take a fixed budget, unless it is very high, and compromise both system with that limited budget. You decide which is your higher priority, music or movies, and dump the entire budget there. Then later, when you have more money, you spend it on the equipment necessary to merge the stereo and the AV system.

Also, for someone on a limited budget, other than the value as an experiment, this is probably not a huge upgrade unless you have pretty good equipment all around. Just my limited opinion, but I don't see much gain, if the whole system is made up of low end consumer electronics.

Me...I'm perfectly happy with my high-powered big-speakered stereo system. I can rumble the walls, floors, and ceiling with the best of them when listening to an action movie. I'm actually amazed that my neighbors haven't lynched me by now.

So, keep these comments in mind as you move forward. Adding a stereo amp is only beneficial if it raises the quality of your system. If you have to compromise the quality of either system in order to accomplish this blend, then you really haven't gained anything. Best to dump all the money into one or the other, and upgrade later.

But then, as always, that's just my opinion.

SIDE NOTE:

Above, in another post, I commented to someone's post about relay switches, that person seems to have deleted their post, so now mine stands without context. As you can probably infer, the person suggested a relay switching system that would allow you to switch between two amps on one set of speakers. I suspect this is how amps and speakers are switch in and out on those fancy computer controlled listening room setup at high end dealers. So, it is a proven idea, I just wasn't sure it was right in this situation.

Steve/bluewizard

[mrbenn]

Originally Posted by BlueWizard

An AV amp is a 5 or 7 channel amp, with additional output for a Subwoofer.


http://www.avforums.com/forums/attac...diamond-sm.jpg

With the configuration shown in the photo above, I have fantastic DVD playback and top notch crystal clear TV audio. With the amount of air I am moving, I really don't see a need for a subwoofer. The bass is so heavy you can practically see the wall ripple as shockwaves radiate out for the speakers. Though I've considered selling my 12" speakers, and getting a couple of Subs. II think at the moment though, I'm just to cheap to talk myself into it. What I have does a great job of it.

So, yes, a stereo can be great for playing DVD's. True you don't get the whooshing zooming special effects, but with a good stereo system, I doubt that you will notice it.

So, no you can't turn a stereo amp into a surround sound system, but if you have a good enough stereo system, you won't miss the whooshing and zooming at all.

Now, at some point on the future, if you want to upgrade to a surround sound system, you will have to by a multi-channel surround sound amp. No way around that.

As to a front and back setup with stereo, that can certainly fill the room with sound, but in my case, it place the rear speaker too close to were I normally sit. The entire experience was dominated by the closest speaker. So, I move everything back to the front, which works good for me.

Again, I can't see you room, so I can't say who it will work for you, but there is nothing wrong with front and rear speakers on a stereo. Assuming, the total impedance per channel does not drop below 4 ohms.

Steve/bluewizard

steve regarding your setup
to add an extra set of speakers to a stereo setup - can any be added or do watts, ohms, resistance need to match?

[bxd]

Hi,

I'm just going to have another punt with my suggestion of an old second hand Yamaha E-800 off the classified ads.

Most good stereo amps have limited digital inputs and they are usually stereo only (as someone said). That means that they are a bit limited in terms of interaction with an av system unless they have special av inputs for the front (L+R) channels.

My friend runs a Naim system (CD player+tuner+amp) with B&W speakers.

His av sources (dvd player, freeview, tv, bluray) are only connected to the E-800 and are not associated with the main system.

The Naim amp is linked via a loop input on the Yamaha so all he has to do on the Naim is to set the volume control with the tape input engaged. The E800 does the av-processing and drives the centre and rear speakers. Main volume, source switching and processing is controlled from the Yamaha with the Naim acting as a slave amp driving the stereo pair.

When the av system is not required the Naim system works on its own.

Brian