I need someone smarter than me

[Ricjor1]

I currently have my 2 channel providing the Audio for my projector. Unless I turn the volume up significantly the dialog is too low. I was told adding a inexpensive AV Receiver and center channel would help, so I did. I purchased a Marantz NR1607 and Monitor Audio Gold center channel. The NR1607 is used to drive the center channel only. The problem is I hear dialog through my main speakers before I hear it through the center channel. It almost sounds like an echo. I've tried everything and I can't solve the problem. Is it because I have two different amps(1 driving the main speakers and the AV receiver for the center channel)? I've contacted Marantz and Oppo via the phone and they couldn't resolve the issue. Any suggestions?

[Kal Rubinson]

Originally Posted by Ricjor1

I currently have my 2 channel providing the Audio for my projector. Unless I turn the volume up significantly the dialog is too low. I was told adding a inexpensive AV Receiver and center channel would help, so I did. I purchased a Marantz NR1607 and Monitor Audio Gold center channel. The NR1607 is used to drive the center channel only. The problem is I hear dialog through my main speakers before I hear it through the center channel. It almost sounds like an echo. I've tried everything and I can't solve the problem. Is it because I have two different amps(1 driving the main speakers and the AV receiver for the center channel)? I've contacted Marantz and Oppo via the phone and they couldn't resolve the issue. Any suggestions?

How are you connecting the main amp for the main speakers? Is it connected to L/R preamp outputs on the Marantz?

[Ricjor1]

Originally Posted by Kal Rubinson

How are you connecting the main amp for the main speakers? Is it connected to L/R preamp outputs on the Marantz?

The connection prior to adding the AV Receiver and Center channel: Main speakers are connected to a Jeff Rowland 625 S2 amp via WW speakers cables; Projector is connected to Oppo 103D via HDMI, Oppo 103D connected via Optical cable to Jeff Rowland Aeris DAC

With the AV Receiver and Center Channel: Projector connected to AV Receiver via HDMI; second HDMI running from AV Receiver to Oppo 103D; Center channel connected to AV Receiver via speaker cable

[-E-]

Does your Rowland pre have a bypass function?

[Ricjor1]

Originally Posted by -E-

Does your Rowland pre have a bypass function?

yes

[-E-]

Oppo (HDMI)->HT Receiver->Center channel via built-in amp, FR/FL pre-out from receiver to Rowland Bypass Inputs (RCA most likely).

Activate bypass when in HT mode. Adjust center delay as needed within receiver.

For 2ch you then run your optical to the DAC then to the rowland and deactivate bypass (and turn off receiver, obviously).

[Kal Rubinson]

Originally Posted by -E-

Oppo (HDMI)->HT Receiver->Center channel via built-in amp, FR/FL pre-out from receiver to Rowland Bypass Inputs (RCA most likely).

Activate bypass when in HT mode. Adjust center delay as needed within receiver.

For 2ch you then run your optical to the DAC then to the rowland and deactivate bypass (and turn off receiver, obviously).

Right.

Passing the L/R to the Rowland by S/PDIF obtains a stereo signal that includes center information that duplicates, somewhat out-of-sync, the center signal that passes via HDMI.

[Ricjor1]

thanks to everyone who responded. No more sync problem and the L&R speakers still sound great when watching television or movies. Of course I turn the center channel and AV receiver off when listening to 2 channel. In addition, I decided to go to the next level Monitor Audio center channel.*