Help for a dummy that loves music/film etc

[stunta]

Rowland, I must be missing something but how can one do multi-channel surround sound with the setup you suggest? And what about HDMI sources (Blu-ray players and such)?

I think what you mean is that the home-theater processor's front left & right analog outputs would pass through the KK. This is quite interesting actually. More cables though.

(2011-06-22 00:20)rowlandhills Wrote:  Coming from a KDS source, I'd say that you should consider a Klimax Kontrol preamp. It's stereo only, but can be configured to have a "unity gain" input that just passes through a volume controlled signal (eg the left & right signals from your av preamp). This allows the best of both worlds, through use of a high quality stereo source, preamp, power amps and speakers in stereo mode, with the same power amps and speakers when in surround mode.

I believe that the new AK supports this too.

With your budget, you should be able to get a dealer to bring a few options to demo in your house.

Personally, I'd spend 10k on the KDS upgrades and a KK, then any additional cash on a set of Majik speakers (140 or Isobarik mains, 112 centre and 109 rears). If you wanted to, you could also look at new power amps.

[linnrd]

(2011-06-21 23:02)Martin H Wrote:  Any brands you would recommend on the AV side then - or recs on the Linn music side?

See my sig...Classe SSP-800...trumped Arcam, Bryston, and Meridian for both multi and 2 channel IMHO. (I was already wedded to the speakers beforehand, and they are a pain to drive.)

[rowlandhills]

(2011-06-22 06:50)stunta Wrote:  Rowland, I must be missing something but how can one do multi-channel surround sound with the setup you suggest? And what about HDMI sources (Blu-ray players and such)?

I think what you mean is that the home-theater processor's front left & right analog outputs would pass through the KK. This is quite interesting actually. More cables though.

I thought that was what I said, actually (bold bit below) !

(2011-06-22 00:20)rowlandhills Wrote:  Coming from a KDS source, I'd say that you should consider a Klimax Kontrol preamp. It's stereo only, but can be configured to have a "unity gain" input that just passes through a volume controlled signal (eg the left & right signals from your av preamp). This allows the best of both worlds, through use of a high quality stereo source, preamp, power amps and speakers in stereo mode, with the same power amps and speakers when in surround mode.

Perhaps what I didn't make clear was that I was currently assuming the OP's original Rotel preamp (and potentially power amp) continuing for surround duties. Not sure if it has HDMI inputs, but if not then you could replace the Rotel with a newer AV preamp/processor and still feed the L&R outputs through the KK or AK set to unity gain.

[nrwatson]

I would suggest trying out the Anthem D2V i am very pleased

[Paul_Riordan]

(2011-06-23 23:00)nrwatson Wrote:  I would suggest trying out the Anthem D2V i am very pleased

Another vote for the Anthem from me....