Tonight's fiddling

[Filterlab]

Well, tonight will signify my experimental move from 5 channel to two channel, I was flicking through my processor's instruction manual last night and it appears that it has two digital outputs which I didn't realise, although there are a million and one connections on the rear panel and I've never needed digital out before. So my plan is this:

1. Obtain a longer Toslink cable so I can move the DAC closer to the processor and still connect it to the Mac. I will need a 5 metre cable which is still well within the (alleged) 21 feet maximum limit as stated by Toshiba, the gain loss is 0.2dB per metre via Toslink but that's easily made up by the exceptionally high output from the DAC (5v). Not a problem really as I don't listen at high volumes.

2. Run a cable from the coaxial digital out from the processor into the coaxial input on the DAC thereby using the processor as a pre-amp (for AV only) and retaining the remote control volume. The output from the Mac will still go straight into the DAC and directly to the power amp.

3. Switch the PS3 to stereo output so that the processor only locks on to the stereo audio track.

4. Move the spare Target B10 rack out of the bedroom (the one I freed up by removing components) and back into the lounge, move the current rack over a bit to make room for the other one... basically move the whole sodding room around.

If I like it (and I'm sure I will) then it means I can remove the KEF centre, the Polk fronts and the Mission rears and the SE24 stands, more room for the two channel to breath and less visual clutter which as I get older starts to annoy me more and more.

Wish me luck!

[StanleyB]

Smart move. I have reduced my speaker count to just two. My 2nd pre/power amp set up with its fast amount of features isn't even plugged in theses days. I just use my old but not cold V-FET power amp with its two channels.
Nothing against 5.1, but it is a fake representation of the sound stage and frequency distribution.

[Filterlab]

YEESH!

One word of warning, be careful of the output sample rate settings, if they don't match the acceptable input rate on the DAC there's some harsh noises to be jammed through the amp.

Anyway, tried it but just couldn't get into it to be honest. The clarity is obviously better but it seems that the DVD producers have placed the stereo track on as an after thought. I'm guessing that most folk who run their DVDs through a hi-fi will have a processor of some kind and those who don't will only be listening through the TV anyway.

So it was worth a try, gave me a chance to tidy up and collate my equipment, but there wasn't the same all-enveloping environment. Back to 5.1 I go.

[SteveW]

Seems my attempts to set up a 2nd system in the newly refurbed basement are doomed to failure due to negative wife approval measurements.
Bugger.
Got the big flat telly in place, and rigged up an old pair of Royd Edens on stands, but they had to go because it spoilt the clean looks down there.
Again...bugger.

[Filterlab]

Can the wife not move out instead?

PRIORITIES Steve!

[SteveW]

I know ...I know.

As a mate of mine once said, in a very drunken slur...

" Our Sue (he's from York) may wear the trousers in our house...but I f****n iron 'em "

[Chris Frost]

" Our Sue (he's from York) may wear the trousers in our house...but I f****n iron 'em "

I have a home cinema install business. There may be some technology I know about that could help with what you are doing.

What is it you're trying to achieve?

[SteveW]

Well...nothing too dramatic, just a sort of inner contentment to ease my mid life crisis.

[SteveW]

...hang on. Let me find a pic that says a thousand words..

[SteveW]

Where the small Marshall is, I stuck some old stand mounts fed by some Linn (kairn/lk140/genki) which sat quite nicely in the TV rack. Anyway...I think she did have a point..

Previously the basement was very very cluttered...and she does put up with my main system and 2000 vinyl albums in the sitting room

So now exploring Q acoustics Q-AV, although I'd probably have to get their TV stand to fit the speaker unit under the telly.
I already have a pair of white flatish speakers that'll go on the back wall with the wiring already in place. Possibly something similar at the front end, and a discreet sub like wot Q Acoustics do might gain acceptance.