Dear Forum,
I just finished my long decision process on "what speakers will I upgrade to"...and the decision was a clear one--naim Ovator S400. Now I am curious as to how I may have the best of both worlds--excellent stereo sound and a 5.1 (maybe 4.0?) theatre experience.
I currently have B&W 6-series all around and enjoy the home theatre experience, but was motivated to look for new speakers for my stereo listening (hence the Ovators). I realise that many may tell me to build two systems, but this is not doable or desired at the moment.
So, basically...my question is: which speakers make sense as additions to the Ovators for creating a hi-quality theatre experience? I assume there may be many good surround options (bookshelf not floor-standers please), but am doubtful on the centre channel.
Thanx for reading and advising...Russell
Posted on: 21 January 2012 by winkyincanada
Before getting the wallet out, why not just try the Ovators as replacement for your fronts, and leave the rest alone?
Posted on: 21 January 2012 by Julian H
I'd say the Ovators are fairly unique and getting a set of surround speakers and centre to aurally blend with Ovators is going to be a challenge, until of course, Naim bring out a full range!
Julian
Posted on: 21 January 2012 by Dungassin
Back when I was using Royd Edens as front speakers I decided I needed a centre speaker. To get a good tonal match, what I did was to take one of the Eden's to the demo, and use it as part of a stereo pair with the trial centre on the other channel. Amp switched to mono, and used balance control to switch back and forth. Not ideal, but the best way I could come up with to do a meaningful comparison.
Posted on: 21 January 2012 by Sublimation
Thanx for the feedback. After searching and reading older threads, I am now tending to going with a phantom centre. The only question remaining is what sort of surrounds I should be looking to add??? The S400s arrive next week...so I think I'll be in stereo mode for a while. Nothing wrong with that...
Posted on: 08 February 2012 by Dan-o
So little material goes through the surrounds that I would test if your existing surround speakers in combo with the S400s provide a satisfying result first after tweaking with your surround processor. If not, then you've got some figuring out to do.
Posted on: 08 February 2012 by Sublimation
Excellent point Dan-o, but my current surrounds are floor-standers (B&W 684s) and they need to become bookshelf/stand-mounted. So, if I am moving to smaller speakers anyway...the idea was to get something in line with the Ovators. Maybe I could save a few quid by going with something else (small Kefs or ATCs)...otherwise the n-Sats are looking like a good idea. Decisions, decisions...
