Two active speakers as central channel

[Mauric]

Hi, I would like to implement a multichannel system to watch movies. I used to have one Yamaha multichannel systems composed of one reciever with internal amp, five speakers and one subwoofer. I already gave it to my uncle because a friend of mine gave newer equipment to me.

Now I would like to try to connect at least 5 speakers making emphasis on the two front speakers to listen music.

My main concern is if I can connect the KEF Lsx (active speakers) to the reciever to make them both as if it were a central channel.

I have the following equipment that i can use to construct my multichannel sysytem for movies and music.

Reciever
Anthem AV-60

Speakers
KEF Lsx (active speakers)
Two pairs of KEF LS50
KEF egg (active speakers)

Amps
Anthem A2
Emotiva miniX A-100

Subwoofer
I don't know the model

The reciever has like 12 outputs , both in XLR and coaxial.

Can I connect the KEF Lsx to the coaxial output of the center channel in some way?

Thanks for your help.

 

[tifune]

You *can* do whatever you want; the result you get from it will be questionable. If the receiver and it's upmixing options support center height, I would probably do that instead (although it won't work with Atmos)

 

[Curvature]

Do not use two speakers to reproduce the same channel. It will cause unpleasant lobing, once you learn to hear it.

 

[Mauric]

Thanks for your reply. Eventually I would like to implement the atmos with a couple of K-array KV52 (that I have no idea how to connect them to their own amp).

I will not use two speakers as a center channel, as you recommended. Instead I will use three LS50 as front, right and left channels. The front channel will be powered by the Emotiva amp and the left and right by the A2.

The Lsx will be the rear channels.

Honestly, my main concern was damaging the equipment.

So I will buy a cable like the one in the photo and I will connect it to the reciever through the coaxial outputs ( surround) while the the two amps will be connected through the XLR.

 

[SorenTyson]

A friend gave that system to you? I am suddenly feeling lonely, do you know if by chance your friend want to be my friend too?

 

[Mauric]

He is a good friend and his wife commanded to improve their living room. Now he's upgrading to the Bang & Olufsen towers that suit better and once he receives them, he's also gonna give to me his Naim system and Persona speakers to have them as a dedicated 2 channel system in my living room.

The KEF Lsx and the KEF egg were mine.

 

[SorenTyson]

How about checking out 7.1 and 9.1 speaker setup? Depending on how many eggs you have.

For instance 7.1 with ls50 as lcr, lsx as surround lr, and the eggs as surround back lr

 

[LTig]

Thanks for your reply. Eventually I would like to implement the atmos with a couple of K-array KV52 (that I have no idea how to connect them to their own amp).

I will not use two speakers as a center channel, as you recommended. Instead I will use three LS50 as front, right and left channels. The front channel will be powered by the Emotiva amp and the left and right by the A2.

The Lsx will be the rear channels.

That should sound great.

Honestly, my main concern was damaging the equipment.

Just use a sub and make sure all satellite speakers are highpassed (set as small).

 

[Mauric]

How about checking out 7.1 and 9.1 speaker setup? Depending on how many eggs you have.

For instance 7.1 with ls50 as lcr, lsx as surround lr, and the eggs as surround back lr

I have also two K-array KVM52, one sub KU26 and the Kommander KA14. However, I have no idea how to connect them. I do know that uses the speakon connector and another that is different for the sub. The space where I'm gonna install the system is pretty small, but in this room I don't need to take care of the aspect.

If anyone knows what cables I need to connect the K-array, please let me know.

 

[Matt_Holland]

I have also two K-array KVM52, one sub KU26 and the Kommander KA14. However, I have no idea how to connect them. I do know that uses the speakon connector and another that is different for the sub. The space where I'm gonna install the system is pretty small, but in this room I don't need to take care of the aspect.

If anyone knows what cables I need to connect the K-array, please let me know.

Hi. I work for one of K-arrays distributors. Happy to help if I can.

 

[Mauric]

Hi. I work for one of K-arrays distributors. Happy to help if I can.

Hi Matt!

Thank you so much for your kind offer.

What I would like to know is how I can connect the speakers to the amp, including the Subwoofer if it's possible.

What cables do I need to buy?

Is it possible to connect the two speakers and the Subwoofer to the amp?

I didn't take a new photograph of the Subwoofer, because rigth now due to the Christmas season I have no easy access to the place where is storaged.

I've never seen before the speakon connectors and I don't know how to connect the speakers because each one has connectors at both ends and the Subwoofer as you can see in the previous photographs has a different input.

It is very confusing for me.

 

[Matt_Holland]

Hi Matt!

Thank you so much for your kind offer.

What I would like to know is how I can connect the speakers to the amp, including the Subwoofer if it's possible.

What cables do I need to buy?

Is it possible to connect the two speakers and the Subwoofer to the amp?

I didn't take a new photograph of the Subwoofer, because rigth now due to the Christmas season I have no easy access to the place where is storaged.

I've never seen before the speakon connectors and I don't know how to connect the speakers because each one has connectors at both ends and the Subwoofer as you can see in the previous photographs has a different input.

It is very confusing for me.

I’ll take a look. It’s a legacy amplifier so I think it needs a USB cable to your pc/Mac and setup via K-Framework software.
If you type KA14 into the k-array website you’ll be able to view the now hidden product page for the amp and access all the technical info etc.

You’ve got a very capable system albeit one that will be very much limited by the subwoofer. We typically match two 10” KU210 subs with a pair of KV52 for a music system that requires some powerful bass impact. The KV52 are tremendous. You just need to be on axis vertically as they have a very narrow directivity.

If you can buy a second KU26 this would be ideal for a small/medium room.

Happy to take the conversation to email if you like.

Edit: the system is far from plug and play, even if you have the physical connections sorted. Within the amplifier configuration you are required to select the correct speaker preset for each channel. You also tell the amplifier which speakers the sub is matching, this then sets a predefined optimal crossover. You cannot get the amp working without setting a preset for an output as the factory default is “NONE”.

The speaker outputs are Speakon NL4 which are 4-pole. So each speakon can feed two speakers/subs. You can wire two separate 2-core speaker cables into an NL4 if you like.
The KV52 have two parallel inputs. You only need to use one of them. They also have a selectable impedance which should be set to 16ohm, not 64ohm. Similarly the sub has selectable impedance but this done by connecting its dual voice coil inputs either in series (32ohm) or in parallel (8ohm). The user manual for the KU26 explains this.
You should have received the appropriate phoenix connectors for KV52 and the KU26.