Is this possible?

[nicholas_d_88]

I have a Bose Acoustimass 10 (Series IV) surround sound system hooked up to a Onkyo TX-RZ820 - I would like to upgrade my system (as I can afford it)

Here is my hope for the upgrade
1) Replace the front 3 bose speakers with better speakers (B&W, Revel & GoldenEar) - Keeping my bose for rear/ceiling
2) ADD a 2nd Sub (SVS SB2000)
3) Replace my receiver (With one that can do 4K 120Hz passthrough on the XBOX Series X - there are currently issues with current receivers)
4) Replace Rears
5) Replace Ceiling Speakers

The issue I am seeing is the Bose system and having to run the speaker cable directly to the Bose sub and then to the receiver. That is why in step 2 I said "ADD" the 2nd sub because I know I need to use the Bose sub for the bose speakers.

So basically - Can I use the Bose Sub (and 4-6 of the bose speakers for rear speakers and height speakers) along with a SVS sub and the 3 front speakers until I can save up enough to replace the rears/ceiling with better options.

Thank for taking the time to read and give me any advice you can

 

[mazersteven]

Please don't call it a Bose sub is not a sub it's a module it's a Fugazi and in my opinion just get rid of all the Bose stuff and get some real speakers

I recommend a ported sub instead of a sealed sub for better output

 

[shadyJ]

Do NOT mix the Bose system with other speakers. The sub is such a boomer that it will ruin whatever fidelity you could get from an SVS sub. The system wouldn't be compatible with any AVR that didn't have pre-outs anyway. It's definitely not worth getting an AVR with pre-outs just to accommodate the Bose system. The speakers are meant to be hooked up through the sub, but you absolutely do not want to use that sub with an actual good sub. The speakers may not work correctly if hooked up directly to an amplifier. Toss the Bose, it can't easily be used with modern sound system components.

 

[lovinthehd]

Yeah I'd tend to skip the Bose stuff, maybe wire the sats for use as surrounds outside of the bose bass module thingy (which would have to be muted for me to use the way you propose) but going with better 3.1 or 2.1 until you can do better than the Bose....and agree get the PB2000 instead SB2000 unless space is at a premium....or the room is fairly small...

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Agree with the above.
But also I think that you’re farther ahead than many people in that you at least have a plan, and your asking questions before. Many times people come here looking for validation after the fact and it usually just spirals down. You’ve expressed interest in NOT using the Bose gear in the long run and that’s a good goal, but in the meantime I think you could cut the connectors of the Bose wiring and wire them normally. Just until you don’t need them. They might have a low ohm rating but I think the Onkyo is capable. Maybe...
And yeah, the bass module would only hold a quality system back.

 

[nicholas_d_88]

Thanks everyone for the advice

Like I said, this is a temporary solution until I can afford to do the surround right but I was hoping I could use these Bose speakers until I can invest in nice surrounds...my assumption is those little bose speakers are better than NOTHING for the next 6-12 months while I save up to afford the next step of the system.

So...What I have heard from you guys is...
1) Do not use the Bose "Sub" with a quality sub
One post mentioned to mute the Bose "sub"...I would absoutely be okay with not actually using that for anything other than the crossover or whatever it does...I have read it limits the frequency going to the little speakers because they can easily explode if hooked up directly to the receiver and receive a frequency it cant handle. So could I simply use the "sub" to control what gets passed onto the rear/ceiling bose speakers?
2) "the system wouldn't be compatible with an AVR that didn't have pre-outs"
I am new to all of this and don't really understand what that means...according to the manual my current receiver will work with 2 subs. If I go by my plan, I will be replacing the Receiver right before I upgrade the rear/cieling (i.e. getting rid of the Bose components) but I could switch that around and replace the speakers before I change my AVR so I don't have to worry about powering two subs? Does that make sense?
3) PB2000 vs SB2000 - The PB is more expensive. My room is fairly small right now but want to build a system that will be able to fill a larger room when we move. Does it make any sense (in the long run) to have a ported and a sealed sub? I could by the cheaper sealed sub right now (for the price and the smaller room) and then add the second ported sub when we move and need to have 2 subs in a larger room? Is that a good plan?


Now...I live in Albuquerque NM and there is only 1 showroom in the entire city that caries "high end" home thatre components. They have 1 or 2 rooms to show off some of their hardware but it sounds like it is a 700 series B&W room and a 600 Series B&W room. So I won't be able to compare the B&W sound to anything else. I am generally looking to spend between 2-4k on the front two speakers and then the center channel of the same line.

Looked at
- GoldenEar
- - Triton Five (2k) & SC XL Center (1k)
- - Triton 2+ (4k) & SC RF (1.7k)

- Klipsch
- - RF-7 III (3.5k) & Klipsch RC-64 III (1.5k)

- Bowers & Wilkins
- - 603 S2 (2K) & HTM62 (0.8k)
- - 704 S2 (3K) & HTM72 (1k)
- - 703 S2 (4K) & HTM71 (1.5k)
- - 702 S2 (5K) & HTM71 (1.5k)

The local store suggested I look into Revel as well but I haven't had time to research those options yet.

I know everyone has their own personal opinion on what sounds better but I would like to hear from anyone who has heard these system and can comment on what they think.

I will be using this system for Movies and Video games 99% of the time. I normally only listen to music in my truck (Focal Speakers, 2x12" JL W6) - I am looking for the best system for Blu-Ray movies (i.e. uncompressed Atmos, DTS-X, etc.)

Again - thanks for taking the time to read and respond. I am REALLY excited for my first "adult" system!

My father purchased a Pioneer Elite system back in the early 2000's and I have always wanted something on that level

 

[mazersteven]

If your going to run a 2 sub system you want the subs to be the same. So if your looking at a large room in the future that means getting the proper sub today or else your wasting money. JMO

And I don't think your going to get a lot of recommendations on the brands and series that you've listed.

Just my thoughts too if you're not listening to music on this system or only 1% of the time. I would concentrate on speakers with a great center channel for if movies are the main use.

Premier 800F

4-driver, 3-way bass reflex floorstanding

www.paradigm.com

Premier 600C

6-driver, 3-way passive radiator bass reflex center channel*Stand not included

www.paradigm.com

HDI-3600 | 2 ½-way Triple 6.5-inch (165mm) Floorstanding Loudspeaker

Designed and engineered in JBL’s world-famous acoustic engineering facility in Northridge, California, the HDI-3600 delivers exceptional performance from a compact footprint. This floorstanding loudspeaker features a 2 ½-way design with patented High-Definition Imaging (HDI™) waveguide...

www.jblsynthesis.com

HDI-1600 | 2-way 6.5-inch (165mm) Bookshelf Loudspeaker

Designed and engineered in JBL’s world-famous acoustic engineering facility in Northridge, California, the HDI-1600 delivers exceptional performance from a compact enclosure. This bookshelf loudspeaker features a 2-way design with patented High-Definition Imaging (HDI™) waveguide technology, the...

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HDI-4500 | 2 ½-way Quadruple 5.25-inch (130mm) Center Channel Loudspeaker

Designed and engineered in JBL’s world-famous acoustic engineering facility in Northridge, California, the HDI-4500 is the anchor of a complete HDI Series surround system. This center channel loudspeaker features a 2 ½-way design with patented High-Definition Imaging (HDI™) waveguide technology...

www.jblsynthesis.com

 

[killdozzer]

Yes, Bose product don't get much love here. They do have some solid products and those get recommended even here, but in general their "design philosophy" hardly overlaps with AH view on good performance.

Be that as it may, some people love Bose, but the thing is a lot of their equipment is interdependent for the result they aimed to achieve. In other words, the only thing worse than Bose is a system mixing some Bose products with others. And the compatibility issue is not only in the sound but in connections and set up too.

I've listened to a system that had Wharfedale for fronts and, like you, it had some satellites remaining from a Bose system. Even though turning off the satellites in this particular case meant loosing certain channels, the sound was much more pleasing using just the Wharfedales.

I agree with all other members wrote; integration would be hard and maybe even not attainable.

Since you said you can afford it, see if you could get a system that would replace the whole Bose part.

 

[killdozzer]

Thanks everyone for the advice

Like I said, this is a temporary solution until I can afford to do the surround right but I was hoping I could use these Bose speakers until I can invest in nice surrounds...my assumption is those little bose speakers are better than NOTHING for the next 6-12 months while I save up to afford the next step of the system.

So...What I have heard from you guys is...
1) Do not use the Bose "Sub" with a quality sub
One post mentioned to mute the Bose "sub"...I would absoutely be okay with not actually using that for anything other than the crossover or whatever it does...I have read it limits the frequency going to the little speakers because they can easily explode if hooked up directly to the receiver and receive a frequency it cant handle. So could I simply use the "sub" to control what gets passed onto the rear/ceiling bose speakers?
2) "the system wouldn't be compatible with an AVR that didn't have pre-outs"
I am new to all of this and don't really understand what that means...according to the manual my current receiver will work with 2 subs. If I go by my plan, I will be replacing the Receiver right before I upgrade the rear/cieling (i.e. getting rid of the Bose components) but I could switch that around and replace the speakers before I change my AVR so I don't have to worry about powering two subs? Does that make sense?
3) PB2000 vs SB2000 - The PB is more expensive. My room is fairly small right now but want to build a system that will be able to fill a larger room when we move. Does it make any sense (in the long run) to have a ported and a sealed sub? I could by the cheaper sealed sub right now (for the price and the smaller room) and then add the second ported sub when we move and need to have 2 subs in a larger room? Is that a good plan?


Now...I live in Albuquerque NM and there is only 1 showroom in the entire city that caries "high end" home thatre components. They have 1 or 2 rooms to show off some of their hardware but it sounds like it is a 700 series B&W room and a 600 Series B&W room. So I won't be able to compare the B&W sound to anything else. I am generally looking to spend between 2-4k on the front two speakers and then the center channel of the same line.

Looked at
- GoldenEar
- - Triton Five (2k) & SC XL Center (1k)
- - Triton 2+ (4k) & SC RF (1.7k)

- Klipsch
- - RF-7 III (3.5k) & Klipsch RC-64 III (1.5k)

- Bowers & Wilkins
- - 603 S2 (2K) & HTM62 (0.8k)
- - 704 S2 (3K) & HTM72 (1k)
- - 703 S2 (4K) & HTM71 (1.5k)
- - 702 S2 (5K) & HTM71 (1.5k)

The local store suggested I look into Revel as well but I haven't had time to research those options yet.

I know everyone has their own personal opinion on what sounds better but I would like to hear from anyone who has heard these system and can comment on what they think.

I will be using this system for Movies and Video games 99% of the time. I normally only listen to music in my truck (Focal Speakers, 2x12" JL W6) - I am looking for the best system for Blu-Ray movies (i.e. uncompressed Atmos, DTS-X, etc.)

Again - thanks for taking the time to read and respond. I am REALLY excited for my first "adult" system!

My father purchased a Pioneer Elite system back in the early 2000's and I have always wanted something on that level

Revel really stands out in this crowd. Focals are great but pricey and so are the GoldenEars (at least in my experience). B&W, if I may put it jokingly, is a company that realized that by the time their potential buyers save money for their speakers, they will sure get some use from the elevated highs.

Revel, Paradigm, RBH, Salk, Philharmonic, Ascend, Legacy, KEF, JBL and many others have great products depending on your need, budget, availability

 

[nicholas_d_88]

So I have a neighbor that has written books about home audio and high end equipment. He has tested speakers that are $30,000+

His advice was to look into GoldenEar, PSB, Paradigm & Elac - When I inquired about Revel or B&W he said those brands were in the next level up from the others he suggested.

So maybe look into Revel? I am getting overwhelmed with all of the choices and option out there...not being able to actually hear anything before I purchase makes me nervous. The more information I can gather, the better (I think). I will post again this afternoon after looking into Revel. I will also post the Paradigms I was looking into...the only reason I did not mention them earlier is that the local store here said they sell them but don't think they are that great and dont have any to let me listen to...

 

[killdozzer]

So I have a neighbor that has written books about home audio and high end equipment. He has tested speakers that are $30,000+

His advice was to look into GoldenEar, PSB, Paradigm & Elac - When I inquired about Revel or B&W he said those brands were in the next level up from the others he suggested.

So maybe look into Revel? I am getting overwhelmed with all of the choices and option out there...not being able to actually hear anything before I purchase makes me nervous. The more information I can gather, the better (I think). I will post again this afternoon after looking into Revel. I will also post the Paradigms I was looking into...the only reason I did not mention them earlier is that the local store here said they sell them but don't think they are that great and dont have any to let me listen to...

Sure!! By all means, stick to Revel if that's an option for you. You'll have years of audio bliss to look forward to. I heard some of Revel speakers... Just amazing.

 

[mazersteven]

Step-Up Revel PerformaBe-F226Be

Revel PerformaBe F226Be Floorstanding Speaker Review

Finally! It's done! This review kicked my butt. Obtaining accurate, anechoic data from 20Hz to 20kHz with resolution down to 20Hz intervals without an NFS or anechoic chamber is a daunting task. I spent multiple days measuring, analyzing and re-measuring the speakers. Hoisting this large...

forums.audioholics.com

 

[Leemix]

So I have a neighbor that has written books about home audio and high end equipment. He has tested speakers that are $30,000+

His advice was to look into GoldenEar, PSB, Paradigm & Elac - When I inquired about Revel or B&W he said those brands were in the next level up from the others he suggested.

So maybe look into Revel? I am getting overwhelmed with all of the choices and option out there...not being able to actually hear anything before I purchase makes me nervous. The more information I can gather, the better (I think). I will post again this afternoon after looking into Revel. I will also post the Paradigms I was looking into...the only reason I did not mention them earlier is that the local store here said they sell them but don't think they are that great and dont have any to let me listen to...

It would be good to be able to listen in stores but at the same time its limited how much you can get out of that since a system wont sound the same in your room. Speakers is a difficult thing to buy. Some things you can get from even limited listening, its better than nothing, but still unfortunatly there is no way to know until placed in the room and moved around a bit.


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[nicholas_d_88]

This would be pushing my limits but...

Revel PerformaBe F226Be
Performa C208
SVS SB2000

That would set me back more than 10k with tax and everything...I absolutely couldn't afford anything else for at least 12 months...do I go that route? Or do I step down a notch for the speakers so I can get surrounds at the same time? I don't want to be disappointed in 24 months that I chose not to go "all out" for the front 3

 

[Truthslayer]

I say get the best you can for now, you can always add on later when your budget allows.
Nothing worse than sacrificing now just to get something that gets you by, then shortly after being disappointed.
A lot if not most people start with the two best front speakers they can get, then get the surrounds when they can afford it. But this is a decision only you can make.

 

[mazersteven]

You have to figure out diminished returns verse sound quality since you're only using the system for movies and not music

 

[Leemix]

If its only for movies it might be better to go down a notch, that should still be spectacular, and get a ported or 2x ported subs. A single sealed sub wont give you the same feeling in movies. I do use sealed but didnt stop until i had 4, 3 would have been good but a bit more difficult to integrate well. 2 would have been ok but i never play loud and needed a bit more area, 1 just wasnt doing it, felt like the main speakers did better(they are ported with 4x7” each though)


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[nicholas_d_88]

Again - You guys are awesome for continuing to hash these ideas out

Okay, let's say I go "down a notch" from the PerformaBe 226Be & Performa C208 - What would that be?

My current room is small but for the long run, I will concede and spend the extra $$$ on the PB2000 which I think is like $900 vs $500 (SB2000)

 

[Leemix]

Forgot to add; surrounds you can consider buying used decent bookshelves and save a good chunk. If you feel the need to upgrade them it should be possible to sell again for around the same after you have had time to find out what you want and save up.


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[Leemix]

Again - You guys are awesome for continuing to hash these ideas out

Okay, let's say I go "down a notch" from the PerformaBe 226Be & Performa C208 - What would that be?

My current room is small but for the long run, I will concede and spend the extra $$$ on the PB2000 which I think is like $900 vs $500 (SB2000)

It will depend a bit on your room, if you have a wooden floor you would get a bit more tactile feel than i do in a concrete apt.
It might work out for you, if sealed is a lot easier, to start with 1 and then if you feel you need more to buy another if the price difference between the SB and PB is that high on the same model.

(And dont take what i say as the absolute truth for you, everyone have different needs and expectations, room size and construction differences also changes things)

Edit:added a couple of commas.

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