Paul,

You don't specify what speakers you are using for main stereo LR.

I am mainly a two channel analogue purist who has always had reservations about feeding my vinyl front end through the Meridian Surround Controller inputs. Even on Direct, there is an analogue to digital and digital to analogue conversion before the signal reaches the power amp.

My system is configured as follows for the best of two channel vinyl enjoyment and multi-channel digital sources:-

Oxford Acoustics Crystal reference turntable/SME V/Koetsu Rosewood Signature mc cartridge into Tom Evans 'The Groove' phono stage/Tom Evans 'The Vibe + Pulse' line stage. The signal is then fed to a Chord SPM1200C power amp and then on to Amphion Krypton full range loudspeakers for the main LR. I take a high level signal output from the Chord power amp to a REL Stadium subwoofer.

I have a 598DP/568.2MM combo, the output of which (main LR out) I feed to one of the inputs of The Vibe line stage. This caters for my digital sources (DVD-A, DVD, CD etc.). I use Meridian M60C active centre channel and M60 active speakers for my rears.

I set up the main LR speakers on the 568.2MM as 'large analogue' with no sub. This way the REL enhances the bottom few Hz of the Amphion's capability.

I calibrate output to all speakers at 75db with the volume control on The Vibe set to 12 o'clock.

I can then use the remote to control the 568.2MM on CD, DVD & cable sources but leave it switched out when I am listening to records.

It all works very well and the Surround Controller does not compromise the vinyl source signal.

Regards,

Steve

Steve