Down the Rabbit Hole

[9397SVTs]

You can't fit it right next to the couch here and maneuver that end table a little?

Actually, it could fit there. Would there be an issue with using an odd number of subs, or since the sound is "omni directional"? it doesn't matter?

 

[mazersteven]

Actually, it could fit there. Would there be an issue with using an odd number of subs, or since the sound is "omni directional"? it doesn't matter?

Why add another Sub? Just use the Sub in the Front Left and move that one. Try it and see if you even like it

 

[Pogre]

I had the complete stereo system. For HT, I had a Bose Lifestyle; which is its own self contained thing. When it came time to replace it, I was already operating with different systems.

I considered using the CM10's for both, but did not/do not know how to switch between both uses and keeping the CM10's on the Parasound amp.

That's why I thought it would be easier to just buy the HT speakers and run them off the Marantz AVR. It was either here or AVS Forums where I got help with using the by-pass feature of the Parasound pre-amp to use the subs for both purposes.

Okay, you have a Parasound amp and a Marantz receiver? Why not use the receiver as your prepro for the amp and use a single set of speakers for everything? I would think if WAF is a factor getting the front stage down to a single pair would be a plus, right?

 

[9397SVTs]

Why add another Sub? Just use the Sub in the Front Left and move that one. Try it and see if you even like it

I can do that. I'll have to get a cable that will reach that far.

 

[9397SVTs]

Okay, you have a Parasound amp and a Marantz receiver? Why not use the receiver as your prepro for the amp and use a single set of speakers for everything? I would think if WAF is a factor getting the front stage down to a single pair would be a plus, right?

Not sure how to switch back and forth between 2 channel and 5.1 surround with the same fronts. I'd also have to avoid the sound processing of the AVR for 2 channel.

The wife isn't against the current 2 sets of fronts. What can be a problem is implementing acoustic treatments to the room.

I suppose it's possible for me to figure it out and be comfortable with it and work on moving the 705 S2's into a front height position.

I am considering the addition of Atmos speakers, but we haven't had that discussion yet.

 

[NINaudio]

Most receivers nowadays have a "direct" mode that will disable EQ processing for stereo listening.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Towers all day...FTW.

Actually I’m curious why you decided to use BS speakers for HT.

 

[9397SVTs]

Towers all day...FTW.

Actually I’m curious why you decided to use BS speakers for HT.

I keep reading about bass management and setting crossovers to 80hz, so why would I need full range speakers?

Interestingly, after I got everything set up and ran Audessey, it set all the speakers to large and the crossover at 40hz.

I did go in and switch them to small and 80hz.

I also use the 80hz crossover with the towers in 2 channel because they don't hit hard like the subs can.

 

[KEW]

Not sure how to switch back and forth between 2 channel and 5.1 surround with the same fronts. I'd also have to avoid the sound processing of the AVR for 2 channel.

Pretty sure that Item #15 (Smart Select buttons) on this page will do what you are after. You can program them for whatever you want. Use the link when you find #15 for additional explanation:

Remote control unit SR7011

manuals.marantz.com

 

[9397SVTs]

Pretty sure that Item #15 (Smart Select buttons) on this page will do what you are after. You can program them for whatever you want. Use the link when you find #15 for additional explanation:

Remote control unit SR7011

manuals.marantz.com

Thanks. I'll check that out and see how it works.

 

[mazersteven]

I'll have to get a cable that will reach that far.

We've heard that's your Problem

 

[mazersteven]

but we haven't had that discussion yet.

No No No never Discuss it. Just tell her your going to making Improvements that will both be Visually Pleasing and Sound Better. Done

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

I keep reading about bass management and setting crossovers to 80hz, so why would I need full range speakers?

Interestingly, after I got everything set up and ran Audessey, it set all the speakers to large and the crossover at 40hz.

I did go in and switch them to small and 80hz.

I also use the 80hz crossover with the towers in 2 channel because they don't hit hard like the subs can.

Ime, assuming the towers are not just a BS speaker with a built in stand, I’ve found them to be more dynamic above the XO than BS. The multiple/larger drivers in quality towers share thermal and power loads while(ime) delivering much more powerful midrange performance.
So imo towers aren’t just for extension.
Interestingly, I’m not sure how audyssey would set speakers to large, but then use a XO. Unless you’re referring to the surrounds? Or you had lfe+mains on. I would recommend against that personally.

 

[9397SVTs]

We've heard that's your Problem

 

[9397SVTs]

Ime, assuming the towers are not just a BS speaker with a built in stand, I’ve found them to be more dynamic above the XO than BS. The multiple/larger drivers in quality towers share thermal and power loads while(ime) delivering much more powerful midrange performance.
So imo towers aren’t just for extension.
Interestingly, I’m not sure how audyssey would set speakers to large, but then use a XO. Unless you’re referring to the surrounds? Or you had lfe+mains on. I would recommend against that personally.

The towers are actual towers, not BS built into a stand.

The BS speakers have really good reviews and perform well.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

The towers are actual towers, not BS built into a stand.

The BS speakers have really good reviews and perform well.

I realize that, in your case. That was my point. Even though your BS are very good, your towers should outperform the BS. BS with built in stands was referring to cheap towers. You know, with a single 5-1/4” woofer with a tweeter.
My earlier curiosity was why not just use the towers for both 5.1 and 2.1. In fact since you have both, maybe try a soundtrack with great dynamic range(hacksaw ridge comes to mind quickly) and try the BS vs Towers both crossed at 80. For science of course. Lol

 

[9397SVTs]

I realize that, in your case. That was my point. Even though your BS are very good, your towers should outperform the BS. BS with built in stands was referring to cheap towers. You know, with a single 5-1/4” woofer with a tweeter.
My earlier curiosity was why not just use the towers for both 5.1 and 2.1. In fact since you have both, maybe try a soundtrack with great dynamic range(hacksaw ridge comes to mind quickly) and try the BS vs Towers both crossed at 80. For science of course. Lol

My wife and I really like that movie. I just happen to have it in 4K Blu-Ray.

We might be able to do that. Switching the speaker cables would be easy.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

My wife and I really like that movie. I just happen to have it in 4K Blu-Ray.

We might be able to do that. Switching the speaker cables would be easy.

It’s a favor of mine. And great demo material for Atmos, as well as subwoofers. The only thing you might wanna do is match the levels. Ideally you’d rerun audyssey but for a quick n dirty, I think a cable swap might be good enough. Curious what you find if you guys try this out.

 

[mazersteven]

Curious what you find if you guys try this out.

 

[KEW]

I’ve found towers (sic) to be more dynamic above the XO than BS. The multiple/larger drivers in quality towers share thermal and power loads while(ime) delivering much more powerful midrange performance.
So imo towers aren’t just for extension.

You point sounds very plausible, but do you have the means to measure to confirm that your bookshelf speakers fall short for "dynamic" at the levels you listen?
As the "Devil's advocate" I might think you could just as likely be hearing some resonance from the longer panels of the tower's cabinet, resulting in a fuller bass sound - which, IME, is enjoyable in many places, but a problem when the balance between frequencies is critical.

I am, however, not sure what you mean by dynamic. Are you saying simple that they won't play as loud (which I agree with), or are you saying they are more responsive (like will produce a better impulse response)?