Thread: New Blu Ray - Older Audio System

Both my subs are self powered.

I like my 7.1 arrangement. J is right, 7.1 tracks are rare, but nice when you get them. Plus, sometimes my 7.1s are "filled in" from 5.1 data.

I'm hoping 7.1 tracks will become more common over the next 10 years, which is the minimum I plan to keep my current audio system.

My passive subs are powered by a 200-watt/channel amp that I split between the 2-12" downward-firing subs in the left and right rear corners of the room...yes, some movies do indeed shake the floor (and windows)!

I'm running a 100-watt mono-block for the center. 400-watt left main and 400-watt right main with a 200-watt/channel for the rear channel speakers. 5 amps running 7 speakers. Sounds better than most theater sound in town and not just because of the wattage involved either.

Now, once I get a BD-enabled receiver, then I can (once again) enjoy 5.1 DVD/BD audio. Currently, my preamp only "sees" 5.1 via my 622 receiver...which is nice, but not exactly optimal.

One nice thing about most good 7.1 set ups is that the additional 2 amps can power a zone 2. Think music on the deck or patio

Yes. I did that in a previous home. Thru a switcher, I could run any two of five zones. Took a lot of wiring, but having music in kitchen, sun room or at the spa was quite nice. Haven't done it in the new place, just not sure it's worth it. Plus, I'm not happy with the outdoor speakers I've heard.

Originally Posted by navychop

Yes. I did that in a previous home. Thru a switcher, I could run any two of five zones. Took a lot of wiring, but having music in kitchen, sun room or at the spa was quite nice. Haven't done it in the new place, just not sure it's worth it. Plus, I'm not happy with the outdoor speakers I've heard.

I use JBL Northridge
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Been great for the money

Originally Posted by Satellite Rick

I have a Kenwood KC-X1 Preamp & Kenwood KM-X1(6 Channel, THX certified, 100 Watts RMS per channel, 6 RCA inputs, 10Hz - 100kHz, .0015% thd) system that has served me very well for many years. Now I have a new Blu Ray player, and it appears the only audio option I have is the RCA input. My system was $2000.00 new, and I really hate to toss away good equipment.

Can I still experience the full audio impact with my existing equipment?
Is it worth looking at a new system to accommodate the new Blu Ray?
If so, what would be comparable to this THX system?

By 6 RCA inputs, do you mean 5.1 multi-channel analog inputs (not pre-outs)?
If you, have older equipment with the 5.1/7.1 multi-channel analog inputs, you can enjoy the "Dolby TrueHD" and "dtsHD Master Audio" soundtracks found on blu ray movies. You'll need a blu ray player with 5.1/7.1 multi-channel analog outputs. If it has the outputs, it decodes internally, because what other use would they have? I haven't heard of a player with these outputs, that didn't decode internally.

Listening this way to a blu ray movie, will not show "Dolby TrueHD" or "dtsHD Mstr" in the receiver's display (or amp's). Instead it will say "Multi-Channel" or "PCM". To see "Dolby TrueHD" or "dtsHD Mstr" in the receiver's display, you need to Bitstream the audio from the BD player, to the receiver, over HDMI, and let the receiver do the decoding (newer receiver required).

If using digital coax or optical connection from the BD player, you're not getting the HD audio soundtrack of the movie. It's not possible over either of those connections. You may get the Dolby Digital or DTS at a little bit higher bitrate than regular dvds, but it's still lossy audio.

You are a whole heck of a lot better off replacing that reciever. You will eliminate 70% of your cabling going to HDMI. And only run one cable to your TV. And you dont have to switch anything on the TV anymore other than on/off and only calibrate one input on it. Think about it.

I agree. HDMI is the way to go. Really helps clean up cable runs. How may cables are running to my TV? 3. Two HDMI and a power cable. With my old TV, it was a mess back there...