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
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).
Post removed 
erik_squires
16,046 posts
 
Um, what of this ownership brings you joy? What is the joyful situation at the end you think you'd go "I'm happy!"

If you don't have one, then buying more stuff won't help.

May I suggest, based on your request for an intervention, sell everything and go with either an Anthem HT receiver or a top quality 2 channel integrated.

Best,
E
erik_squires
16,046 posts
 
One thing I have noticed is the number of subs and an Onkyo and Yamaha HT receiver.

Seems like integration between the sub and the room has been tough, and it usually is. Also I find Onkyo HT products among the thinnest and least inspiring. 
So, get rid of everything but a stereo rig and 1 sub. Contact GIK acoustics and get your room acoustics set up properly.
Then come back and let's talk subs.
audioscmaudio OP
6 posts
 
My "System A" makes me very happy, but its location is not ideal for all day listening. My "System B" has been an experiment without much conviction. I've heard soundbars in a smaller room that sound better than $50K worth of components in my larger room. I would really like to have my "System A" in the larger room and be just as satisfying, but I'm pretty sure that won't happen. So the XRT28's and 601's are being delivered in a couple hours. I've already removed everything from the larger room and will start there with the XRT's and 601's at the foundation. Then I'll add the other necessary components to create a versatile system that is great for both music and movies. I'll need to drop another 20A circuit in that room too.
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