My Final Multichannel Update

Well, many of you may be familiar with my recent upgrade of my multichannel setup. I just thought I'd post one final update for you all.

As you may know, I bought a Sony STR-DA4ES A/V receiver, a pair of Tannoy Mercury MX1-Ms for surrounds, a Tannoy Mercury MXC-M center speaker, and a JBL PB10 powered sub, all to match up with my Tannoy Reveals as front L/R. I am still using my Sony C555ES for CD/SACD playback and a JVC XV-SA602SL for DVD-V/DVD-A playback.

Now, you may know that originally I wanted to still use my B&K pre-amp coupled with my QSC power-amp for stereo playback, but then decided to forgo the B&K, using the 4ES as a pre and the QSC for stereo playback. After I tried Todd Fredericks' suggestion for incorporating the B&K, I decided that I preferred the sound better in multichannel just using the A/V Receiver. Well, I have also decided now to part with the QSC as well, as I have found after a while of extensive listening now, that the A/V receiver alone actually sounds better, cleaner and more dynamic than my original separates setup in stereo, or with the Sony/QSC combination in stereo. So, I guess it paid off buying such a nice 'premium' ES receiver. Everything is relative I suppose. I'm still not opposed to someday purchasing a power-amp and using the A/V as a pre-amp only when in stereo, but we'll see.

I have not yet had a chance to precisely adjust the setup with a sound level metre (the one I had was tossed in the toilet by my 3 year old cousin ), but even doing it by ear alone, the sound is excellent and about 10 steps above what I had before. The new Tannoys have blended seamlessly with my Tannoy Reveals and the JBL sub is superb.

So, outside of my well documented problems here with trying to eliminate a hum whenever I connect anything connected to the antenna or satellite dish ( I'm still working on it, for now I just don't hook up the TV, satellite or VCR to the A/V Receiver, nor do I connect the DVD-A player to the TV. I'm forced to use my Sony monitor using an external converter box from ViewSonic which actually gives me a better picture thant the TV I was using anyway so...), everything is going smoothly and I'm, so far, very pleased.

And, that's all folks. I thought you'd all like to know. Now, where's that David Bowie SACD....

 

You'll be tweaking it over time. I know I did for about three months. Even with my cheap little system.

Enjoy!