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How to add central speaker in current audio system?

Superparati

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Joined
Oct 24, 2020
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Hi,

Currently the owner of a 2.0 audio system, a combinaison of

  • Integrated Amp: Arcam A39
  • Network: Raspberry Pi 4 + linear amp
  • DAC: matrix X Saber pro 2
  • Speakers: Dali zenzor 1 and Kef R7

I’m wondering if there is a way to combine a 5.1 amp with a 2.1 power amp? To combine both solution when watching a movie to enjoy the 5.1 sound and when listening to music the power amp just for the music.

Is such a setup is possible?

For now I’m happy with my setting but each time I’m watching a movie I’m a bit disappointed with the voice render. It is missing a central speaker.
I know a good 5.1 integrated amp can do the job but just wondering if this is possible.
Or a 5.1 power amp?



Thanks
 
Last edited:
You can do
AVR->Speakers
or
AVR w/ Pre out->Multichannel Power Amp
or
AVP->Multichannel Power Amp

However, trying to use two different power amps, depending on the type of content that you're consuming, would not work well.
 
What power amps? Generally power amps will not be 5.1 or 2.1 as generally it is expected your sub will have it's own amp nor will LFE be processed by a power amp. Your integrated amp doesn't appear to even have a sub pre-out let alone bass management.

An avr (or avp plus power amp) would be the correct tool to integrate speakers with a sub as well as using a center speaker. If you do get a center speaker and it must be horizontally challenged, I'd suggest a 3-way design perhaps.
 
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