2. amps-preamps
  3. 136297-110229

Where do I go from here?

    • Marantz AV-7005, pre/pro (with balanced outputs and 1.4a HDMI);  Rotel RMB-1565, surrounds and center;  Rotel RKB-650, mains w/ bi-amping;  Martin Logan Motion 20, mains;  Martin Logan Motion 8 Center; Klipsch SW-10, sub;  KEF iQ-5, surrounds;  Klipsch RS-41 II, surround backs
    • Alright y'all, here is your chance to help out the newbie with your thoughts and opinions. Thanks in advance for what you may offer.  I have the above system, which is sounding really nice, with many of the qualities I've been looking for, but the upgraditis is creeping in, (again, sigh) and I am wondering which of the components may represent the weak link to my music listening nirvana?  As some my recognize, I recently added the Motion 20's to the lineup, much to my satisfaction, but where might I go from here.  I'm thinking my better half may let me get away with another $1500-2000 before I'm sleeping with the system and not her, LOL.  Since I'm more interested in the musicality of the system, listening to a mix of female vocal, rock, and dipping into the ambient realm now and then, I'm considering the replacement of the Rotel RKD-650 with something in a nice stereo configuration, possibly 3-channel to pick up the center. I'm really looking to broaden and deepen the soundstage as much as anything.  What do you think?
    128x128wisciman99
    wisciman99's avatar
    wisciman99 OP
    75 posts
     
    My music listening is primarily only through the mains, which is why I'm leaning toward a nicer 2 channel.  Let me throw in some amps I've seen here; Mac, NAD, Classe, Marantz, Anthem, even Krell in the solid state classe, with a few stereo tube amps or hybrids in the mix as well.  Much of my music listening is via Network services (Pandora, Media Monkey, etc.) but perhaps an upgrade to the Samsung Blu-Ray player is in order?
    wisciman99's avatar
    wisciman99 OP
    75 posts
     
    Thanks, tls 49, I started out that way, but for some reason I opted to use the 650, perhaps thinking bi-amping would make up the difference in power??  I will move things around a little and see what comes of it.  Would you forego the bi-amping then?  Or maybe keep the bi-amping and drive the mains with 4 channels (x 200) and use the remaining 2 for the surrounds?  That would leave the 650 to put the center on a 100 watt output @ 4 ohms (unless I bi-amp) and the surround backs at 50 watts into 8 ohms. (I love experimenting, BTW.)
    tls49's avatar
    tls49
    1,351 posts
     
    Bi-amping should be avoided unless it is done properly. This means you would need to bypass the speaker’s internal crossover, and use an external line level crossover. Just go back to your original hookup, like the one I stated in my post. Also, for 2 channel try turning off the Audyssey EQ. There is an AV-7005 review that says doing so improves the music presentation. You may need to do a little manual tweeking with the EQ off.

    wisciman99's avatar
    wisciman99 OP
    75 posts
     
    Thanks again, tls, I moved the amps around and went with the bi-amping (as you were responding, sorry) from the 1565 and put the center on the 5th channel.  Threw in a little Pink Floyd and had voices and instruments from the phantom center with some 'air' behind them, also, after a small tweak to the speaker position (I gave them about a 5 or 10 degree tilt backwards, and slid the left speaker about 2 inches further left), I had a broader and somewhat deeper soundstage.  I will double check on the Audyssey setting, but I don't believe I'm using it.  I will reroute the cabling tomorrow to your suggestion without the bi-amping and check for any difference.  Much appreciated.
    m-db's avatar
    m-db
    997 posts
     
    One of the most common mistakes I run into and especially with home theater is speaker location.  
    Have you tried radically locating your main speakers and considered Golden Ratio or the rule of thirds? In most cases these methods will cause great consternation among loved ones and friends. Even so to take a day clearing the listening area and experimenting with locating the mains and using an office chair as a mobil listening position your systems potential and the nature of your room may surprise you. 

    As to home theater I'm in the 7.1 camp using small identical speakers as equal distance and hight to the listening position as possible. No dipole or (WTW) center channel speakers unless they're all centers and a decent sub. Since its just TV a modern receiver using as little if any room correction as possible seems to be plenty. 



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