Kef LSX / LS50W - 5.1 home theater use

[Guest gnnett]

Hi Guys

 

May not be the right location but trying to figure out if there is a software based system that would allow use of  either LSX, or LS50W stereo speakers in a home theater 5.1 system. I would get another set for the rear speakers and would even consider 2 subs, one to assist the load on the stereo speakers and one to pick up the effects. Just need to control volume and direct sound to the 5.1 locations appropriately.

 

I know I can use the sub output from the LSX to have a quasi 2.1 system, noting it is not the home theater effects .1 channel, just reducing the bass load on the LSX.

 

I would have no problem with using bluetooth for movies, although I currently use the optical digital input from the TV and adjust volume with the LSX volume control.

 

Any thoughts, ideas appreciated.

 

Best Wishes

 

Grant  

[Guest]

The only way this could be achieved is with an AVR, using analog pre outs and connecting them to the Aux inputs on either LSX or LS50W.

[Satanica]

18 hours ago, gnnett said:

I would have no problem with using bluetooth for movies, although I currently use the optical digital input from the TV and adjust volume with the LSX volume control.

The first problem to overcome if it can be it all is the source.

I strongly presume that your TV is currently outputting 2 channel PCM via the optical.

For 5.1 you need Dolby Digital, DTS, 5.1 PCM and I have doubts your TV can do this.

What does the manual say?

 

Bluetooth, I have concerns the delay will be too much for you to handle and you'll have the same issue as above also.

Edited August 13, 2020 by Satanica

[Guest]

I spoke to KEF, my advice above is the only way in their opinion. It could only be done with an AVR doing the processing and distribution of channels.

[Guest gnnett]

Thanks guys excellent, if a little painful advice. 

 

The question was inspired by late(ish I am getting old) nights in the bedroom and being shocked by the LFE sounds coming from the little LSX's in the lounge, while my wife watches an action movie. 

 

Just thought they could be the basis for a pretty cute and discreet hometheater system. 

 

Must admit I am surprised and more than happy with what they are doing as a 2.0 system, with TV and streaming. 

 

Cheers 

 

Grant 

[Satanica]

19 hours ago, gnnett said:

May not be the right location but trying to figure out if there is a software based system that would allow use of  either LSX, or LS50W stereo speakers in a home theater 5.1 system.

When you mention the above in bold do you actually mean that and a PC?

If so you should be able to do it with JRiver Media Center and a USB interface such as: https://focusrite.com/en/usb-audio-interface/scarlett/scarlett-18i20

Multi channel audio goes into it via USB and it has multiple optical digital outputs.

 

I have a 4 channel surround system and 2 sub-woofers and am doing practically as such now.

Edited August 13, 2020 by Satanica

[Guest gnnett]

1 hour ago, Satanica said:

have a 4 channel surround system and 2 sub-woofers

Interesting I will have a read.

 

I think the idea that you could have two pair of LSX's in adjacent rooms playing different songs, why couldn't you have them in the same room, one pair playing the front pair of channels and the other pair, the rear pair of channels.

 

My mentioning of software, was just me thinking that would be the easiest option. 

 

Oh, wireless was important, but the issue/problem with latency will be very significant as you mentioned. 

 

Thank you for the link, not something I would deep dive in just yet, but you have got me thinking. 

 

Bit disappointed to see Kef marketing the KW1 as a $400 add-on for a bit of software/hardware, that will be built in to all future product. Still no update for the clunky apps either. 

 

Cheers 

 

Grant 

[Satanica]

15 hours ago, Guest gnnett said:

Thank you for the link, not something I would deep dive in just yet, but you have got me thinking.

Absolutely, it would be a big commitment.

15 hours ago, Guest gnnett said:

I think the idea that you could have two pair of LSX's in adjacent rooms playing different songs, why couldn't you have them in the same room, one pair playing the front pair of channels and the other pair, the rear pair of channels.

As mentioned you can use an AVR or Processor for this job albeit you will be forced into an A/D conversion out of one and then a D/A conversion into each speaker.

Edited August 14, 2020 by Satanica

[gikigill]

On 12/08/2020 at 10:20 PM, Guest gnnett said:

On 13/08/2020 at 7:37 PM, Guest gnnett said:

Interesting I will have a read.

 

I think the idea that you could have two pair of LSX's in adjacent rooms playing different songs, why couldn't you have them in the same room, one pair playing the front pair of channels and the other pair, the rear pair of channels.

 

My mentioning of software, was just me thinking that would be the easiest option. 

 

Oh, wireless was important, but the issue/problem with latency will be very significant as you mentioned. 

 

Thank you for the link, not something I would deep dive in just yet, but you have got me thinking. 

 

Bit disappointed to see Kef marketing the KW1 as a $400 add-on for a bit of software/hardware, that will be built in to all future product. Still no update for the clunky apps either. 

 

Cheers 

 

Grant 

 

Hi Grant,

 

Off topic but do you still have the Soekris for sale.