I have exchanged a classic 2 channel home stereo with a Genelec 8330A and 7350A setup.
Background
I wanted to be able to have a less space-demanding and more children safe setup, and also go from analogue to fully digital (and in the process avoid expensive cables). Preferably, the system should be digital all the way to the filters in the setup.
I was also curious how GLM room correction in combination with active choice of bass management crossover frequency could be used to correct for characteristics of the room while allowing more flexible speaker (8330A) placement, such as closer to the rear wall.
I wanted the system to power up and down automatically (such as when connecting to it via Bluetooth). Finally, I wanted a real volume knob (not being limited to a remote or software only solution).
Regarding inputs, I wanted (at least):
1) One Bluetooth input,
2) one input from PC, and
3) one input for a CD transport (not shown in picture, but it is connected to the SPDIF audio switch).
Finalized system
Since this was the first digital system for me, I made a plan/overview to make sure that nothing was missing. I guess others might be thinking about doing the same thing, so thought I'd share how I choose to connect everything (dotted lines are only used during GLM configuration).
Most is straight-forward, but the choices on the digital side might be interesting:
- I choose to use an automatic SPDIF audio switch, which enabled me to connect several digital sources to the sub while enabling the ISS to function (the switch prevents active digital bit clocks in the sources from keeping the ISS powered ON when the sources are quiet). The system will switch on as soon as a source starts playing a sound, and shuts down when the source becomes quiet.
- To get digital out from Bluetooth and the computer, I use the Arcam Rblink and Roland AU-55, respectively. The CD transport connects directly into the switch as well.
- Neutrik digital audio impedance transformer (NADITBNC-M) is used to match impedances - BNC 75 Ω input to male XLR chassis connector 110 Ω output - between the audio switch output and Genelec 7350A input.
The sound is "studio nice"! With GLM, the tonal character of the system feels very balanced and accurate even in an almost untreated room and offers a very nice stereo perspective - Perhaps not the last word in timing, but I can find lots of details in recordings I have not noticed before - just like when sitting in the studio :)!
For me, it is interesting how simple and cheap the digital signal chains is (and that it literally fits in the windowsill), and still sounding very well.
Hope the overview can help someone who am considering the same journey.
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Comments
Thanks a lot for sharing your setup and how you designed it!!
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