2. home-theater
  3. 145839-121268

Intervention... I need help...

First, I realize that I should have asked for help long before my most recent purchase (Pair of McIntosh MC601's and XRT28's), but that's just me. Spontaneous and compulsive to a fault. And not rich or stupid by any means.

So now I have a pile of stuff and I need to figure out what to use in a setup for both music and theater in a room that isn't designed for either. The 18' x 20' room has a 12' flat ceiling, pretty much all windows on one side, open arches on the other side, and another 15' of depth beyond the back wall. The front (video) wall is stone to 8 feet high.

Here's some of what I have... 

Amps:
(2) McIntosh MC601
(1) McIntosh MC452
(1) Mark Levinson 332.5
(2) Monster Power Signature Series MPA 2250
(1) Monster Power Signature Series MPA 3250
(1) Carver Cinema Grand

Preamps/Controllers:
(1) McIntosh MX135
(1) Onkyo TX-RZ3100
(1) Yamaha RX-V3300

Media Players
(1) McIntosh MVP851
(1) Yamaha CDR-D651

Power Conditioners/Protection
(2) Monster Power Signature Series AVS 2000

Speakers:
(2) Bowers and Wilkins 802D
(2) Wilson Audio CUB
(2) McIntosh XRT28
(2) Martin Logan Odyssey
(2) Martin Logan Theos
(2) Martin Logan SL3
(2) Martin Logan Sequel II
(2) Martin Logan Aeon i
(1) Martin Logan Stage
(1) Pinnacle Gold Classic
(1) Bowers and Wilkins HTM61
(2) Bowers and Wilkins 685
(2) Carver AL-III Plus
(2) Newtronics Temperance

Subs:
(1) SVS PB16-Ultra
(1) SVS PC13-Ultra
(1) HSU VTF-15H
(1) SVS PB12-NSD

I also have the wiring handled. Transparent Audio Musicwave Ultra Biwires, Hi-grade balanced cables, Toslink, and such.

I appreciate any advice (other than advising me to quit spending money on things I don't understand) anyone will share. Matching amps and speakers, using multiple fronts, running parallel or series, location, sound treatments, etc. 

Please explain why you feel the way you do.

When I'm all done, I will start selling the leftovers.

Thanks in advance for paying it forward.

Jim
audioscmaudio
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,381 posts
 
You have enough inventory to open a small audio shop!
big_greg
6,623 posts
 
I know you're serious about your request for help, but you're probably the only one that has heard all those pieces.  Which ones sound best to you, and what combinations sound best to you?  Which pieces fit best in the space you have?  I don't have quite as much stuff as you, but I have 4 separate systems and I mix and move things around until I find the things that sound best together and work best in the space they're in (from small rooms to my wide open living room).  Have some fun with it and see what you like best and then start thinning the herd.
audioscmaudio OP
6 posts
 
Thanks Greg. I think you're right. I guess I was hoping there was someone on here who would plug all my stuff into some secret algorithm, and poof, I would have my answers. I'm pretty sure the AccuEQ Room Calibration with AccuReflex Technology in the Onkyo will make my work a lot easier too.

Cheers!
soix
9,456 posts
 
@big-greg 

I don't have quite as much stuff as you, but I have 4 separate systems
Ha!  That says a lot right there. 

see what you like best and then start thinning the herd.

Ha ha!  Amen.

I guess I was hoping there was someone on here who would plug all my stuff into some secret algorithm

Sorry I'm poking some fun, but ya gotta admit this is a pretty extreme situation.  And that's saying something given the preponderance of gear maniacs on this site.  In all seriousness though, you're the only one that has the "secret algorithm" here.  No one else here hears like you do, and that's kinda the cool part and why there are really no absolutes in this wretched hobby.  The good news is there really are a lot of us here who honestly do want to help.  So why don't we start with this -- what are your top requirements in terms of sound characteristics for both 2-channel and home theater?  That's really THE most important info, and then I'm sure you'll get some folks -- some of whom I'm sure are familiar with at least some parts of your arsenal -- chime in with some very helpful recommendations.  We're all ears here (pun intended).
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