Martyn,
Just picked up on your last post about likely splitting your system and would like to say that I think in the end, this will be the best idea. By the way, I am the friend with the Arcam AVR300 (and DV78) that Hugh mentioned early in this thread but have been away on hols for quite awhile (Hi Hugh – I’m back) so haven’t had a chance to comment before – (grin).
I've made plenty of mistakes along the way and whilst it can be lots of fun, I don’t envy anybody trying to come to grips with quality surround sound for the first time after a stereo upbringing. It’s not hard to buy HT in a box for a few hundred dollars but not very satisfying. I assumed at first (like most I believe) that surround was merely stereo with a few extra speakers, but now I firmly believe that that trying to achieve both in one system will always be something of a compromise. Why? - three main reasons in my opinion though others may disagree. Firstly, I firmly believe that the best HT systems have 3 identical speakers across the front (and matching rears) so that the soundstage is seamless. Secondly, a sub is essential for the LFE and other LF content and thirdly, the room may be better off acoustically treated and equalised for HT.
So my system is immediately a compromise though I think, a good one as I have floor-standers as LF and RF that I run as ‘small’ speakers in HT mode (with sub engaged) and as large speakers (no sub) for stereo. Even though my centre channel is as well matched as possible, timbre wise it varies a little from the fronts. Finally, I like a little life in the room with music so just careful positioning of speakers and furniture and no treatments. The Arcam gear in this situation I would recommend as second to none. The Denons and Yamahas etc. as you have said do a fine job in general HT. After all, when Rambo punches someone and the sound effects man hits 2 garbage bin lids together at 110db, hi fidelity is not really involved. However to me, much of the good movie soundtracks involve soft dialogue, music and ambient effect sounds such as wind and rain. For this and music DVDs, I want the best possible surround system but with stereo still sounding as good as possible.
I have discussed with Hugh, the idea of building a multi-channel AKSA amp for surround using the AVR300 as a pre/pro and I may well yet do this eventually but in the immediate future I am going to replace my old stereo system from my ‘quiet room’ with a new AKSA 100N+ and some new high quality speakers. In other words, have separate specialised systems. I listened to a lot of quality HT equipment including Rotel separates in my home before choosing the Arcam kit. Likewise, over the years, I have simply never heard better or more involving stereo than through Hugh’s amps and despite the excellence of my current system, that conclusion still holds. I can only suggest you somehow arrange for a good listen. Best of luck in your quest.
