Tweak my system to get the most out of my speakers

[iaquos1200]

Alright, so I purchased the BIC Acoustech speakers. I think it cost me about $799

(two main channel towers (Model HT-75), one center channel (Model HT-65), two surrounds (Model HT-63), and a powered subwoofer (Model H100)

But I don't really think i'm getting the most out of them. Sure when I crank the subwoofer up I get some heart pounding bass.. but usually when i'm watching a movie or something, they just don't seem as good as my old BOSE speakers I have set up in my room. Yeah I know, many people dislike BOSE, but even my simple BOSE setup seems to kill my 5.1 bic acoustech speakers.

Im using a pretty basic Pioneer AVR, cost me about $300.
I'll try and find a picture of it, I know it came with a mic that analyzed the best settings for my speakers. Also remembered that it disabled my subwoofer so that I had to go back and turn it back on while setting all my speakers to "small"

I dont know if its just my AVR that needs a little tuning... but any tips would help.

 

[Davemcc]

If you are unhappy with the BIC, do you still have the option to return them?

There may be a better upgrade path for you than a wholesale replacement of the Bose all at one time.

Which Bose?

 

[iaquos1200]

I dont think I will be able to return my BIC Acoustech's. It's been over a year since I purchased them.

Its just that, I'm a little unimpressed from all the reviews I read about these speakers.


- ..."In terms of value and performance I give Acoustech my highest recommendation."
- ..." Excellent all-around performers."
-...Superb dynamic range, faithfully reproducing everything from whisper-soft vocals in a jazz song to the loudest explosions in an action movie."
-..." Reproduction of high frequencies were pronounced, open, and thankfully, not excessively bright." -..." Midrange reproduction was crisp and clear." -..." bass was tight and punchy."
-..." I was amazed at how little power was required to effortlessly fill the room with sound."
-..." Seamlessly matches it's horn tweeters with it's cone woofers, alleviating any holes in frequency response." -... " visually stunning."
-..." the Acoustech speaker line knocked my socks off."

 

[mazersteven]

but usually when i'm watching a movie or something, they just don't seem as good as my old BOSE speakers I have set up in my room. Yeah I know, many people dislike BOSE, but even my simple BOSE setup seems to kill my 5.1 bic acoustech speakers.

What Bose system?

And for the cost of those BIC's, IMO there are better choices on the market.

 

[iaquos1200]

Uhh... these speakers sure didnt knock my socks off. Im kinda questioning if its my speakers... or is it just my Pioneer AVR thats not tuned correctly. After all, I just used the little automatic tuning mic that came with it to setup my system.

 

[iaquos1200]

What Bose system?

And for the cost of those BIC's, IMO there are better choices on the market.

Its an older BOSE system, perhaps 7+ yrs old? Dont let their age fool you, they still perform amazingly. I popped in a classical music CD the other day to relax, i noticed that the sound was extreamly "crisp" I could hear each individual instrument very clearly, and thru speakers this old... clearly shocked me =D

 

[mazersteven]

After all, I just used the little automatic tuning mic that came with it to setup my system.

First I would get yourself a Radio Shack SPL meter. Then I would make sure you have the proper placement of the speakers. Then I would calibrate the system using the SPL meter. Next I would install a acoustic panel to two.

 

[mazersteven]

Its an older BOSE system, perhaps 7+ yrs old? Dont let their age fool you, they still perform amazingly. I popped in a classical music CD the other day to relax, i noticed that the sound was extreamly "crisp" I could hear each individual instrument very clearly, and thru speakers this old... clearly shocked me =D

So again I ask "What Bose System"?

I'm not bashing Bose.

 

[jimfitz]

Just for the record...I love my Bose speakers. I'm running an old Acoustimass 7 and two Acoustimass 5's with a Klipsch subwoofer.

 

[Davemcc]

Uhh... these speakers sure didnt knock my socks off. Im kinda questioning if its my speakers... or is it just my Pioneer AVR thats not tuned correctly. After all, I just used the little automatic tuning mic that came with it to setup my system.

Try to describe what it is about the BIC that you don't like. It would help to know what you are trying to correct. Just describe the problem with whatever words you feel best describe the sound you have.

 

[no. 5]

First I would get yourself a Radio Shack SPL meter. Then I would make sure you have the proper placement of the speakers. Then I would calibrate the system using the SPL meter. Next I would install a acoustic panel to two.

I agree, and would also add, measure the distance form each speaker to the listening position (if you haven't already done so), and use that information to do the setup manually; distance, level, crossover, etc.

Try to describe what it is about the BIC that you don't like. It would help to know what you are trying to correct. Just describe the problem with whatever words you feel best describe the sound you have.

Yes, the more information the better.

 

[iaquos1200]

I believe my bose speakers are an acoustimass 5. What I dislike about my BIC speakers are that they just dont sound as good as those POLK setups at circuit city, or a few yamahaa setups at frys. Once I heard those speakers, I knew I wasnt getting the most out of my BIC's. I have my subwoofer set at 7... i'm not sure what the crossover freq. is. I think it was automatically set when I used the "autosetup mic"

 

[Davemcc]

First, let's set the crossover to 80 hz. Then try to blend the sub into the mains so that the bass from the sub is indistinguishable from the bass from the mains. The system should transition seamlessly between the sub and the mains without being able to realize that there is a sub in the system.

I suspect that with the sub volume at 70%, that it's a very bassy sound and may need to be turned down to about 30-40%, then make your adjustments from the sub level control control on the AVR.

Start with this and let us know how it turns out. It's just the first step, really.

 

[iaquos1200]

First, let's set the crossover to 80 hz. Then try to blend the sub into the mains so that the bass from the sub is indistinguishable from the bass from the mains. The system should transition seamlessly between the sub and the mains without being able to realize that there is a sub in the system.

I suspect that with the sub volume at 70%, that it's a very bassy sound and may need to be turned down to about 30-40%, then make your adjustments from the sub level control control on the AVR.

Start with this and let us know how it turns out. It's just the first step, really.

I checked and the crossover was set at 60%. As for the subs.... 30% -40%, when I set it that low, I could barely hear any bass.
HELP! is this because of my AVR?

 

[mazersteven]

I checked and the crossover was set at 60%. As for the subs.... 30% -40%, when I set it that low, I could barely hear any bass.
HELP! is this because of my AVR?

No

 

[mtrycrafts]

I dont think I will be able to return my BIC Acoustech's. It's been over a year since I purchased them.

Its just that, I'm a little unimpressed from all the reviews I read about these speakers.


- ..."In terms of value and performance I give Acoustech my highest recommendation."
- ..." Excellent all-around performers."
-...Superb dynamic range, faithfully reproducing everything from whisper-soft vocals in a jazz song to the loudest explosions in an action movie."
-..." Reproduction of high frequencies were pronounced, open, and thankfully, not excessively bright." -..." Midrange reproduction was crisp and clear." -..." bass was tight and punchy."
-..." I was amazed at how little power was required to effortlessly fill the room with sound."
-..." Seamlessly matches it's horn tweeters with it's cone woofers, alleviating any holes in frequency response." -... " visually stunning."
-..." the Acoustech speaker line knocked my socks off."

those are very subjective comments. Who wrote these, magazines, people, or Tom Nousaine?

 

[mtrycrafts]

I believe my bose speakers are an acoustimass 5. What I dislike about my BIC speakers are that they just dont sound as good as those POLK setups at circuit city, or a few yamahaa setups at frys. Once I heard those speakers, I knew I wasnt getting the most out of my BIC's. I have my subwoofer set at 7... i'm not sure what the crossover freq. is. I think it was automatically set when I used the "autosetup mic"

Perhaps those speakers were in better rooms??? Rooms are the make or break aspect of speakers and sound.

 

[iaquos1200]

those are very subjective comments. Who wrote these, magazines, people, or Tom Nousaine?

This is where I found the review
http://www.***********/audaud/MAR04/component/comp1.html

 

[Wafflesomd]

Tweak huh? Call patrick.

 

[iaquos1200]

Do you think installing banana plugs will improve my sound? Because I connected all my speakers directly by speaker wire.