Best upgrades after the obvious main components

[Michael5039]

So I was wanting to make an upgrade to my system but think its probably best to make sure that everything other than the main components, such as the speakers and amp etc., is at its optimal before I bother upgrading everything else.

So I guess I just want an opinion on what people think are the best options. Also I bought my Denon AVR-2310 second hand and it didnt come with a set up mic, can I use any audyssey set up mic for this?

I have a denon AVR-2310 as already stated, with B&W Dm602 S3 speakers on cheap stands with Dm601 S3 speakers also on cheap stands with the centre just on the floor. I use very cheap 12 AWG cable. Also I was wondering how effective amplifier servicing is and how easy it is to do yourself?

Cheers for any help! (also it would be helpful if people recommended brands available in the UK)

 

[markw]

Dunno about a microphone but I'd think a Denon mike wound be best.

I don't think speaker stands contribute that much to the overall sound but you might want to raise the center speaker

Playing with speaker placement and room acoustics is probably the best next step.

Don't even think about more expensive wires improving anything. All it improves it the bottom line of the store that sold it to you.

But, most importantly, why would you even think about kerffutzing with the insides of your amp. If it ain't broke don't fix. If it is broke, send it to a pro. There are no user serviceable parts inside.

Somehow, I seemed to miss what subwoofer you have. You DO have one, don't you?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

If you don't have a sub, then getting a good sub is best way to improve your system. Oh and read carefully what old, cranky but wise Mark has to say

 

[Michael5039]

Oh sorry I apologise I forgot about my sub. Its an old REL strata. Its not so great for music but can literally make my living room shake throughout in films.

I do know expensive speaker cables dont do much, but there are a lot of power cables routed around behind my AV amp and I know interference is definitely thing with regards to power leads, I've only ever noticed a very obvious change with some of my musical equipment when connected to the PA mind. I dont know what causes the interference, but my guess would be its the alternating voltage causing an alternating magnetic field. In which case surely shielding from that is next to impossible? In which case I guess the best method is to try and route it elsewhere?

Dont happen to of any good articles on here or elsewhere to learn about room acoustics and speaker placement etc. do you? I'll be moving soon so there's no point doing too much with regards to changing the room itself but Id like to learn still.

 

[markw]

There is a whole sub forum named "Room Acoustics, System Setup and Layout" on the main forums page here. Odds are there's a bunch of articles and posts there that could guide you in the right direction.

 

[Michael5039]

Okay thanks very much So after room acoustics is there much else that can be done?

 

[Irvrobinson]

Measuring equipment, like an OmniMicII. Most people who see the averaged response at their listening seat for the first time are appalled. You can't tune without a view of reality.

 

[Michael5039]

Yeah I've seen bits of these measuring devices about on this site for the first time. What exactly are they?

 

[Irvrobinson]

Yeah I've seen bits of these measuring devices about on this site for the first time. What exactly are they?

http://www.daytonaudio.com/index.php/omnimic-v2-precision-measurement-system.html

See for yourself. OmniMic includes software that runs on a Windows laptop and a calibrated USB microphone. Using them properly takes a bit of technical knowledge (though not much), and there are many explanatory sites and posts on using this type of equipment. OmniMic is a bit expensive, but of you search this site there are posts for accomplishing the same results more cheaply with open software if you're so inclined.

 

[afterlife2]

Here is a good start: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DENON-AVR-2310CI-AVR2310CI-GENUINE-CALIBRATION-MICROPHONE-PAY-TODAY-SHIPS-TODAY-/150910882348?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2322fd522c
How big is your room? Maybe we can recommend a good sub.

 

[Michael5039]

Okay will have a look later when I have more time! But out of curiosity, say I torrented the software if I can, I have a lot of good mics as a musician such as SM57s etc. Would they be okay for this purpose?
I already have a sub sorry, its an REL Strata (old).

 

[Irvrobinson]

Okay will have a look later when I have more time! But out of curiosity, say I torrented the software if I can, I have a lot of good mics as a musician such as SM57s etc. Would they be okay for this purpose?
I already have a sub sorry, its an REL Strata (old).

If you try to steal the OmniMic software with bittorrent you will have committed a crime. Just the idea pisses me off so much I feel like ignoring you, but if you want free software try:

http://www.roomeqwizard.com