Need help getting the most out of my Infinity Primus setup

[brianhem10]

Hi,

I've had a setup of Primus 362s, PC350, and PS210 w/ an Onkyo receiver that I really feel I'm not getting the most out of, and it's my first component home audio system so I'm sure there is something I can fix. The speakers span about 6 feet, are up against the wall, and I'm sitting about 10 feet away in a medium, square room.

When watching cable TV (using a connected speaker), the audio feels really flat and the sound is almost exclusively coming from the center channel. I also rarely feel my dedicated bass firing, let alone the bass in the speakers themselves.

For gaming and movies, the sound also feels pretty 'recessed'. There isn't a lot of 'oomph' and considering how hightly touted the speakers were/are, I've been surprised at how my old Klipsch 2.1 multimedia speakers outperformed them.

Any advice would be much appreciated. Also, I'd like to add rear channels and any recommendations would be great.

Thanks!

 

[agarwalro]

Did you run the auto calibration on the Onkyo?

 

[brianhem10]

Yep, I calibrated it with included mic stand.

 

[afterlife2]

What settings did you get with the Onkyo calibration?

 

[jcl]

Which Onkyo model? I'm assuming it has Audyssey? That probably would detect a speaker hooked up out of phase but worth checking for anyways. Make sure that the speakers wires are all connected properly black to black and red to red.

The 362s should be placed away from the wall. I know placement isn't always easy but it's the best way to improve sound. I'd have them 12 -18 " out from the wall at least.

How far from the back wall are you sitting? If you're to close you could be in a bass null. Try moving your listening position. A square room will be more challenging for good sound.

Have you tried different surround modes? These vary widely you may find one that is more to your taste. On many TV shows most of the dialogue (and sound) does come from the center.

You may simply prefer the Klipsch sound, which tends to have a hot treble. The Infinitys will be a more neutral speaker, but that may not be what you are used to or to your taste.

 

[fuzz092888]

I'll also add that if you have an entertainment center you'll probably need to be more than 12-18", depending on how big it is. Your speakers, including your center need to be at minimum flush with the entertainment stand.

You may need a little toe in with the front L/R

Onkyo generally has audyssey, is known for toning down the bass and people aren't usually used to that which could contribute to less "oomph."

I would guess that the klipsch pro media speakers were pumping out thumpy, distorted bass, which is what many people are used to. Real bass is much more subtle than that and has a totally different sound and feeling. It can be powerful as well, but doesn't always go "boom" in all the places people are used to hearing it. I'm not saying this is the case, but it could be another contributing factor.

The speakers are good, with autocal run you should be pretty close. A little placement tweaking will probably help. It just may have to do with your expectations for what these speakers are supposed to sound like.

 

[Alex2507]

Is this the 2.1 set up you say out does the Primus package?

 

[sholling]

I've had a setup of Primus 362s, PC350, and PS210 w/ an Onkyo receiver that I really feel I'm not getting the most out of, and it's my first component home audio system so I'm sure there is something I can fix. The speakers span about 6 feet, are up against the wall, and I'm sitting about 10 feet away in a medium, square room.

Start by moving the P362s out about 12-24" from the wall and experiment with toe-in a bit. Are you running them as large in the Onkyo? If so try running them as small. Also experiment with double bass on and off. I prefer off but that's my taste. I'd experiment with the crossover points as well, try 60hz for the mains and 80hz for the center. Audyssey tends to set the subwoofer levels a bit low for some people and you may want to try boosting it 3db but I'd do that last.

When watching cable TV (using a connected speaker), the audio feels really flat and the sound is almost exclusively coming from the center channel. I also rarely feel my dedicated bass firing, let alone the bass in the speakers themselves.

That may just be the source material or it may be your expectations. You shouldn't notice the subwoofer just hear and feel the bass when it's in the material. It's also possible that you don't have enough sub for the room - it's impossible to say without more information. An easy test is to move it right next to you.

For gaming and movies, the sound also feels pretty 'recessed'. There isn't a lot of 'oomph' and considering how hightly touted the speakers were/are, I've been surprised at how my old Klipsch 2.1 multimedia speakers outperformed them.

I know the Promedia 2.1 (and 4.1 and 5.1) well and the subwoofer from the 2.1 is a wee bit boomy which may be what you're missing. The bass also accentuated when sitting close to the sub. The Promedia are also a tad bright and a more neutral speaker may leave you missing that brightness.

Also, I'd like to add rear channels and any recommendations would be great.

I wouldn't spend a lot of money until you solve the other issues but when you do a pair of P153 bookshelves would be a good match for a small or medium sized room or a P163 for a large room.

 

[agarwalro]

+1 for everything Sholling said.

To be sure, you have the sources connected directly to the Onkyo and not routed through the TV?