Upgrading 5/1 to 7.1

Owenw

Gentlemen,
Two-part question for your valued opinions!


a) I've had a 5.1 system now for almost 10 years and think it's time for an overhaul to take advantage of DTS-MA and Dolby True HD soundtracks on some Blu-Ray discs.

Currently, I have an ageing Sony 5.1 AV receiver (STR-DB940) and Mission Cinema 7 speakers (773e fronts, 77c1 centre & 77ds dipole surrounds). Oh and a REL Q201e sub to give some low-end grunt.

Can I add a back surround pair to this setup or would I be better to start over with a new set of speakers?



b) I want to replace the amp with a 7.1 amp - budget of around GB£1000 / €1300 for the 7.1 amp. Any recomendations? HDMI switching and upscaling of SD inputs to HDMI would be nice too so I can connect the plasma with just one HDMI lead.

Additional info
The room is 12'x15'.
The system will be used by family so simplicity is essential!

Kev.

Hi there Owen


From the looks of it you have made up your mind already


Personally For that type of money you can get a fairly good amp -I would look towards an Onkyo amp

youll get a top of the range one for that type of money


Give me a shout if you need any help

johnnyflav

Hey Owen,

I had/have a similar set up to your own. Mission fronts and I used to have a 7.1 Sony amp (STR-DB795).

For your budget you will get a very nice amp receiver, I picked a Onkyo 875 for myself a couple of weeks ago and I'm very happy with it. As for upgrading to extra surrounds to make it 7.1, I think it would be wiser to save and then buy an up grade to your 5.1 setup. A good number of my HD DVDs and Blu rays max out at 5.1 for DTS HD and TrueHD and there's no extrapolation for 7.1 as you have for DD PLXII.

As for recommendations for an amp, I can only say that I'm happy with my purchase, it was a replacement for a Pioneer VSX 2014 which in itself is a very good amp.

Best of luck with it anyway.

The Ritz

Can I add a back surround pair to this setup or would I be better to start over with a new set of speakers?

I wouldn't see any reason to replace the speakers if you're happy with the overall sound quality you're getting now. I'd just add another pair of 77ds (if you can get them) to keep the balance the same at the back and make most of the investment replacing the reciever.

Ritz.

Owenw

Thanks for the replies so far guys.

I'll be looking at those Onkyo amps more closely. I know they are usually first off the blocks with the latest features, but how would you describe the sound quality?

The Mission speaker system is good enough until I can afford to make a serious upgrade (B&Ws 7- or 8- series maybe ).

Just on a side point, how do you offload your old equipment when you're finished with it?

johnnyflav

Owenw wrote: »

Just on a side point, how do you offload your old equipment when you're finished with it?

I've flogged a couple of bits and bobs on adverts.ie. Recently I've been hoarding the stuff I've been upgrading and keeping it for a second AV room/bedroom.

Kev.

Owenw wrote: »

Thanks for the replies so far guys.

but how would you describe the sound quality?

On par with anything ive ever heard

If you need a hand give me a shout