Cheap stereo to surround conversion

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Dreal

418 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 25

Topic # 189332 24-Dec-2015 17:15

I have an old 80s stereo system with amazing metal cone, wood box speakers. Honestly the sound reproduction is better than anything modern I have heard. I don't want to change my system. It's incredible.

But of course it doesn't have bluetooth (easy enough to fix), and it doesn't have surround. I am wondering what are cheap options for expanding stereo to 5.1, so I can expand this existing system with some smaller support speakers (or something like it), so that the main stereo speakers are still the core (they do bass PLENTY well enough). Would just like a little more "spread", without really changing the core of the system.

Doable?

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Dunnersfella

3393 posts

Uber Geek
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Reply # 1456668 24-Dec-2015 18:03

You'll need a home theatre receiver - preferably with Bluetooth.
What are the specs on the back of the speaker?
Wattage / Ohms / efficiency etc?

The next step is to find a centre speaker that best matches your front speakers. Give us some more info and we can potentially help.

Dreal

418 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 25

Reply # 1456763 24-Dec-2015 20:17

Dunnersfella: You'll need a home theatre receiver - preferably with Bluetooth.
What are the specs on the back of the speaker?
Wattage / Ohms / efficiency etc?

The next step is to find a center speaker that best matches your front speakers. Give us some more info and we can potentially help.

I am away from home. I don't remember if there are any specs on the back of the speakers - but there may be on the cones themselves. I'll try and update when I get home.

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jonathan18

3048 posts

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Reply # 1456870 25-Dec-2015 06:25

When you say system, what do you mean? An all in one box, or one with a separate amp? Are you wedded to the amplification part of the setup or is it just the speakers? Back in the day there were options for adding just three channels of amplification and surround processing to an existing amp (I had two different Yamaha units that did this).

But if your system's an all in one type job it, your options to retain the amplification are probably nil; but second-hand receivers can be quite affordable, and with some additional speakers for centre and rears you'd be away, noting earlier comments re suitable matching with fronts, including consideration of timbre...

Dreal

418 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 25

Reply # 1456997 25-Dec-2015 12:54

It's the speakers I think that create the lush sound. Yes, it's an all in one system. Although it does have a turntable, and that's not super easy to replace these days.

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