Quote:
Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy
some of the sony kit seems alright, the Es series in particular (and some QS). I'm not taken by 5.1 systems yet, unless set up properly . Extra speakers can just interfere with each other. Anyone go DVD-A or SACD experience? much different to CDs?
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My only issue with the Sony stuff is the price! It's fine but is
far too expensive for what it is! When you consider that most of the Sony kit can be beaten on sonic terms by a basic Rotel or even Denon equivalent for less money! When you get to build quality - I know which out of a Sony and a Rotel I'd rather drop and see if it still works!!
As you say - 5.1 (or over!) does need to be set up correctly - with a sound pressure level meter... Even then, an experienced ear will always get a better result than most people!
6.1 and 7.1 systems really do need a very big room to be worthwhile, as at best they'll bake no difference and at worst, they'll make the sound worse than a 5.1 system!
We have a customer currently running a 5.3 system, using
3 large M&K subs (which were added one at a time!) with PMC fronts, M&K column rear speakers and a Lexicon/Rotel front end!!!
It took ages to set up but now it's done, it really is some good doo-doo!
I have a DVD-A capable system (when it's all set up & running!) but don't have any discs for it! I've got a sampler disc which shows it off rather well and it is truly incredible!
I've never been one for multi-channel music, preferring stereo all the time but when something's recorded in a multi-channel format, it does work rather well!! You end up looking round the room for the instrument you hadn't seen or the person who'd snuck into the room to sing or say something!!
HOWEVER!
I have heard some truly
awful DVD-A systems and generally it's where people have either added to their hi-fi and not spent a similar amount on the rears, centre & sub as they did for the stereo section, or when someone's replaced their good stereo amp for a similarly priced, or less expensive multi-channel amp!
You have 6 speakers in a 5.1 system (including the sub), not to mention digital audio processing, 5 amplifiers and normally some video processing/switching ability included on a home cinema amp. Therefore you should be thinking of spending at least 2-3 times the amount on a home cinema as on a stereo system - if you want a similar quality, that is!
Just my 2p worth, having worked in the Hi-Fi/Home Cinema/Custom Istallation industry for the last 6 years & now owning a Custom Install/Home Cinema company!