HeLp An OlD GuY uNdErStAnD cEnTeR cHaNnEl

If looking for some really wild movie sound pick up an old "discrete quad" unit from the 70's, it really does some crazy things with surround signals. It won't work correctly in "Matrix" mode, it has to be 4 "True Discrete" channels. With this set up the rear channels are no longer relegated as just fill, they are now dedicated full rear channels. As long as you stay in or near the sweet and juicy like these nutz. spot you get something like a phantom center channel, but better. Still own the old Lafayette quad integrated and matching tuner I purchased as a kid for my first system (my oldest son in FL. currently has possession), tried it and was astounded by the realism of the bullets flying arround, the car crashes, even the music broadcast over the cable. There were never enough quad recordings available to be a viable choice, but I feel surround gives it a hole new lease on life. If more people knew, these old quad units would skyrocket in value as collectors items.

Martin

Good info Martin...if I ever run across a quad unit I'll try it....the SS decoder i have is not much anyway (Audiosource) and still has a very slight hum in one channel even after I'm now by-passing its "for shit" onboard center/rear "amps" (haha) and using the av-705x for amping those channels....

I tell ya, for action movies, nothing beats even a descent surround sound system. Center speaker and subwoofer are the most critical in my opinion and 4 or 6 matching bookshelves for the rest.

Had one of those....OO then gave me his "old" av-705x. MUCH better.

So OO, got another "old av-705" layin' around?

Actually, I have one hooked to my TV - just excellent

I have a AV-505 bi-amping POLK LSIs in my Bar, and it is fun there.

These come up on ebay, and if you shop some, you can find a good one. If you can use a 5 channel amp, these are a "best buy".

I tell ya, for action movies, nothing beats even a descent surround sound system. Center speaker and subwoofer are the most critical in my opinion and 4 or 6 matching bookshelves for the rest.

You ain't kidding. I was watching the whole The Tudors series and although I had everything running I wasn't getting a whole lot of ambiance or surround other than the odd subtle and appropriate bit. I just paid it little mind and got 'into' the show...
Until there was a scene of Henry VIII's army attacking a castle in France with cannon. The camera took several viewpoints within the castle walls and to the distant reports had some awsome shots of cannonballs arcing toward the viewer at great speed... and then they hit! Holy shamoly! All the components of surround and subwoofer sprang to life and it sounded like real cannonballs were taking off the roof of my house! Shook the freaking couch I was sititing on, I swear.

That's what I'm talking about. Dynamic range.

I agree as to the sub for action video, but I use the center just to bring out dialog and let my mains and rears carry the show.
I use a CT-17. It sends out white noise to help you dial in the different speakers.
----------thanks Bob

Had one of those....OO then gave me his "old" av-705x. MUCH better.

So OO, got another "old av-705" layin' around?

Actually, I have one hooked to my TV - just excellent

I have a AV-505 bi-amping POLK LSIs in my Bar, and it is fun there.

These come up on ebay, and if you shop some, you can find a good one. If you can use a 5 channel amp, these are a "best buy".

Picked one up for $150.00
Made the Integra DTC-9.8 in the living room come to life. I'm loven it ! Need a manual though.