Surround Sound - Music First

I’ve spent years trying to get surround sound setups to work well with music and was never totally happy with the results. About a year ago, I accidentally ended up trying the opposite: Build a great setup for music, then adapt it to surround sound afterwards. I loved the results and wanted to share them with you all - Even if you completely disagree, maybe some of the suggestions and scenarios I provide will inspire your setup?

While I do NOT think my setup is the best option for everyone, I did want to share links in case you’re interested. Some are affiliate links, as that’s how this channel survives - but please note the amp* & front speakers are NOT affiliate links - I talk about them because I think they’re great (for the money!), not because I’m being paid to shill them ;p
Amp: https://www.safeandsoundhq.com/pages/search-results-page?q=nad%20T%20758%20V3i%20
Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE: http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cbm170/cbm170.html
Yamaha MSP5 Studio Monitor: https://amzn.to/3xMkLXA
Ground Loop Isolator: https://amzn.to/3ALPPr0
XLR switch: https://amzn.to/3VwKtbk
HDMI Splitter: https://amzn.to/3lcr6VS
NAD C 316BEE Amp: https://amzn.to/3742YzY
Speakers Near CRT’s: https://www.retrorgb.com/crts-magnetically-shielded-speakers.html
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2: https://amzn.to/3jv2g1f
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2: https://amzn.to/3upxGN2
True audiophiles will enjoy reading about the more expensive speakers I eventually want to buy as the front’s: http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?7588-Introducing-the-Sierra-LX

Awesome channels for high-end stuff:
https://www.youtube.com/@SkyFiAudio
https://www.audioholics.com/

*If you own the same NAD T 758 V3i amp and are getting HDMI signal (audio or video) dropouts, the section starting at 10:16 is a MUST WATCH! I’d be willing to bet anyone running a 4K signal with HDMI cables longer than 6ft will need the same fix!

**If affiliate links were available for the amp & speakers, I'd t..