Surround Sound Setup Opinions

[pdemasco]

We're planning a move and are considering adding a projector, screen and surrounds to our existing 2 channel setup which consists of 101E MKII and Noble electronics. 2 channel listening will still be the primary use so I'm looking to do a "reasonable" add-on.

Wondering if others have any experience doing this. Currently thinking about:

- Sticking with 5.1
- Rear speakers: 126
- Rear amplification: C21

That said, my wife is balking about the price tag considering the other costs so I'm also open to a non-MBL approach for the rears (even possibly not doing rears).

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mr Peabody]

A MBL surround system would be spectacular. My thoughts if you are doing the projector you should do surround sound right. You'll enjoy the rears on Action movies or others with the front/back panning and information.

When all the speakers are timbre matched and same amplification it creates what's referred to as the sound bubble, sound is enveloping and sounds good. With that being said if wanting to save the rear speakers could be where, just try to find a speaker as close to the sound of the mains as possible.

You didn't mention what processor you plan to use. This could be another place to save, maybe instead of something like Trinnov go with a less expensive processor like Anthem or JBL. JBL is benefiting from the Arcam tech and has partnered with Trinnov on some models, not sure if that is still going on.

Another place to cut some cost is the sub, rather than going with a mega dollar sub from MBL or the like, use something like SVS which would do a good job for you for less money. I've never compared side by side, I'm sure the more expensive could justify the difference but if jusst for movies......

 

[Big B]

If you did a MBL surround system it would be just outstanding. I'm salivating at the thought. It would. Be the best HT out there in my opinion. The speed of those MBL's is just what you want for home theatre.
Sorry I'm going off topic.

 

[nicoff]

We're planning a move and are considering adding a projector, screen and surrounds to our existing 2 channel setup which consists of 101E MKII and Noble electronics. 2 channel listening will still be the primary use so I'm looking to do a "reasonable" add-on.

Wondering if others have any experience doing this. Currently thinking about:

- Sticking with 5.1
- Rear speakers: 126
- Rear amplification: C21

That said, my wife is balking about the price tag considering the other costs so I'm also open to a non-MBL approach for the rears (even possibly not doing rears).

Thanks in advance.

I built a 5.1 theater system in my former home (it was actually 5.3). If I were building a new home theater today, I would be looking for a system that can do Dolby Atmos which requires a different speaker configuration (ceiling speakers for example).
If you choose the right digital preamplifier, you can have your 2-channel and multichannel coexist in such a way that you can listen to 2 channel and multichannel independently if you choose to.
You don’t mention the size of your room and that is an important parameter. If you have enough room to have 5 MBL speakers, you are going to need more than one sub. (I know from experience; I also own the 101E).

PS. It is a big investment and I strongly recommend that you consider bringing an expert onboard to help you plan it and put it all together.

PS2. You did not mention what projector or screen you are planning to use.

PS3. Consider posting in the AVS Forum. Lots of knowledgeable people about home theater set ups.