2 Channel receiver without bypass

[lovinthehd]

The first thing I'd like to do is thank each of you Lovinethehd, J Garcia, Kew, and Pagre for your help with my concerns. You can probably tell I'm a beginner. I've never considered room acoustics. Each of you mentioned acoustics may be my problem. I"ll try to focus on acoustics and room correction to improve sound before purchasing new equipment.When you say room correction and acoustics are these the same something? What is room correction software?

Kew I like your statement no good reason an analog system should sound appreciably different than a good AVR. Is it not true that a 200 wpc amp and processor, spreads the 200 watts over the 7 channels? Meainging less output over each channel. I'm in the Los Angeles area and don't know of any place to borrow gear. I'm sure there must be some but I don't know them.

Here are some photos of my room please make suggestions. The main speakers B & W 803's (front) have 9 feet between them.The system is on the north wall, (front) on the east (right wall) a 7x11 foot glass door, the south wall (back) a glass china cabinet and on west (left) an opening to rest of the room (an open area). The room is 22x24 feet with an 8 foot ceiling. Wood floors with an 10 x12 throw rug.
This site could not process the picture files so i will send them through email. : ledellloyd@yahoo.com
email me for them

The interaction between your room and your speakers is one of the biggest factors in what you hear. You might peruse some of these articles http://www.audioholics.com/room-acoustics

Some 7ch amps are spec'd where the power per channel is only one or two channels driven rather than all channels driven, don't know how yours is specified or if there's an available bench test to see. Which model amp and pre-pro do you have? I'd still think your current amp is more suited to the task than the stereo receiver you're thinking about.

Some modern avrs and pre-pros have built-in room correction eq software setup using a provided measurement mic, will at least help you set proper levels and delays for the speakers for your listening position; alternatively you can use an spl meter or your own measurement mic (a miniDSP Umik-1 is popular, as is the Dayton UMM-6) and appropriate software like RoomEQ Wizard.

 

[KEW]

The first thing I'd like to do is thank each of you Lovinethehd, J Garcia, Kew, and Pagre for your help with my concerns. You can probably tell I'm a beginner. I've never considered room acoustics. Each of you mentioned acoustics may be my problem. I"ll try to focus on acoustics and room correction to improve sound before purchasing new equipment.When you say room correction and acoustics are these the same something? What is room correction software?

Kew I like your statement no good reason an analog system should sound appreciably different than a good AVR. Is it not true that a 200 wpc amp and processor, spreads the 200 watts over the 7 channels? Meainging less output over each channel. I'm in the Los Angeles area and don't know of any place to borrow gear. I'm sure there must be some but I don't know them.

Here are some photos of my room please make suggestions. The main speakers B & W 803's (front) have 9 feet between them.The system is on the north wall, (front) on the east (right wall) a 7x11 foot glass door, the south wall (back) a glass china cabinet and on west (left) an opening to rest of the room (an open area). The room is 22x24 feet with an 8 foot ceiling. Wood floors with an 10 x12 throw rug.
This site could not process the picture files so i will send them through email. : ledellloyd@yahoo.com
email me for them

Unfortunately, you are required to post more before you can post pictures. I forgot about that. Run your post count up to 10 and see if you can't post then. Most of us prefer this to be a public discussion so we can learn from each other and people with similar issues can address them.

You also might try moving your speakers into an adjacent room if there is one to demonstrate the impact of the room on your sound. B&W 800 series are fairly expensive and most showrooms that would stock them have probably invested in room acoustics.

You can buy acoustic treatments or simply look for some heavy drapes and maybe a tapestry or two to keep some of the reflections down.

Also make sure that the spot on the floor which would reflect sound from the speaker to you ear is carpeted (that is one of the more crucial issues that is sometimes missed).

 

[LeDell Loyd]

You gentleman have given me a great deal to think about room correction and acoustics.
I moved the speakers and did hear changes in the sound, not what I'm looking for but a sign that sound can change with the smallest movement. Based on what you told me I zeroed in on what I recornized to be a problems, Glass door 7ft x11ft, glass china cabinet, Glass coffee table 6ft x 4ft, wood floors and a wall next to the left main speakr. This left speaker actually sits between two walls. The wall to the right of the left speaker is part of the inclosed case that holds the components. The main speaker on the right is in an open space. My plan is to place the TV on the wall and getting rid of the component stand. I'll put up drapes and change the coffee table. Put throw rugs in front of each speaker to hear how all these changes will improve the sound and music. I must admit I was looking for changes to come form componits only, not thinking about the room. You've renewed my excitement thanks very much, I'll be working on my new componit, My Room.

 

[slipperybidness]

You gentleman have given me a great deal to think about room correction and acoustics.
I moved the speakers and did hear changes in the sound, not what I'm looking for but a sign that sound can change with the smallest movement. Based on what you told me I zeroed in on what I recornized to be a problems, Glass door 7ft x11ft, glass china cabinet, Glass coffee table 6ft x 4ft, wood floors and a wall next to the left main speakr. This left speaker actually sits between two walls. The wall to the right of the left speaker is part of the inclosed case that holds the components. The main speaker on the right is in an open space. My plan is to place the TV on the wall and getting rid of the component stand. I'll put up drapes and change the coffee table. Put throw rugs in front of each speaker to hear how all these changes will improve the sound and music. I must admit I was looking for changes to come form componits only, not thinking about the room. You've renewed my excitement thanks very much, I'll be working on my new componit, My Room.

Hey, that is awesome! You seemed to be really hesitant to take our advice. We see it pretty often, someone comes here "seeking advice", but really they are just "looking for validation". Then, they don't like the advice given when it completely contradicts what they expected to hear.

You seem to be on the right track now. And likely saved some $ and a lot of frustration!