Issues with setting up SSP-600/CA5100/B&W

[SMB]

I recently moved and have been resetting my HT in my new apartment, and have come across some issues.

Here's the current setup:

SSP-600
CA-5100
B&W 803D fronts
HTM2 center
805s for surrounds
Oppo BDP-83 (via coaxial to SSP-600)(via hdmi to Pioneer Pro-FHD1) - just received in the mail yesterday.

I have balanced cables connecting the SSP-600 and CA5100

I've used the calibration mic and have set all 5 speakers to "large." The room isn't very large (roughly 15x15) so I've decided not to use my JL-F113 sub and am keeping it in storage.

Here are my main issues:

1. The center speaker is not performing lower than the other fronts. When people are speaking during a movie, it's difficult to hear what they are saying because the volume is lower. Turning up the volume makes the front left and right speakers too loud. Should I just boost the center channel output by a few dbs in the SSP-600 or is there some other option I should choose? I can't find my SSP-600 manual and there isn't one available for download on the Classe site anymore.

2. I've never updated the firmware on the SSP-600 since I purchased it in January 2007. What is the best way for me to do this?

3. I would also appreciate if someone could point me to a link that lists the optimal settings on the SSP-600 when considering my current setup. I'm not sure about what settings I choose on the 600.

Any guidance would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

-SMB

[wildtangent]

I recently moved and have been resetting my HT in my new apartment, and have come across some issues.

Here's the current setup:

SSP-600
CA-5100
B&W 803D fronts
HTM2 center
805s for surrounds
Oppo BDP-83 (via coaxial to SSP-600)(via hdmi to Pioneer Pro-FHD1) - just received in the mail yesterday.

I have balanced cables connecting the SSP-600 and CA5100

I've used the calibration mic and have set all 5 speakers to "large." The room isn't very large (roughly 15x15) so I've decided not to use my JL-F113 sub and am keeping it in storage.

Here are my main issues:

1. The center speaker is not performing lower than the other fronts. When people are speaking during a movie, it's difficult to hear what they are saying because the volume is lower. Turning up the volume makes the front left and right speakers too loud. Should I just boost the center channel output by a few dbs in the SSP-600 or is there some other option I should choose? I can't find my SSP-600 manual and there isn't one available for download on the Classe site anymore.

2. I've never updated the firmware on the SSP-600 since I purchased it in January 2007. What is the best way for me to do this?

3. I would also appreciate if someone could point me to a link that lists the optimal settings on the SSP-600 when considering my current setup. I'm not sure about what settings I choose on the 600.

Any guidance would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

-SMB

Let's begin...

Here's the link to the manual.

http://www.classeaudio.com/downloads/pdfs/processors/SSP-600-En-2_2.pdf

[Nolan B]

to answer your first question. Yes, just bump the center channel up a bit. I do the same thing with a similar set up to yours.

What do you mean by "optimal settings". Use the mic, bump up the center. Toggle between THX on and off to decide what sounds better to you..thats it.

[SMB]

Re:

Thanks a bunch for the link to the manual! Also, by optimal settings I meant that when I set up "mode" I choose "multichannel" and it automatically goes to 3/2.1 and I'm not sure if this is the right setting since I don't have a sub hooked up. Just want to make sure I'm not hitting the incorrect mode. Most of it has to do with the fact that I'm not sure when to use THX and when not to.

Any thoughts on easiest way for me to update firmware?

[SMB]

...and thank you as well, Nolan.

I'm going to read the manual and see what I can improve. \

[SMB]

Opinions on cables

What are the most current opinions on speaker wire/cable and bi-wiring.

I realize this may be discussed ad-nauseum elsewhere, but I'd appreciate he opinion of the Classe forum members on the following questions given the setup I describe above in a relatively small room setup (20wx15d) with an eye towards a larger space in a year or so:

1. Is there performance difference in choosing speaker "cables" vs speaker "wire" or are they essentially the same thing?

2. Will bi-wiring make a difference or is does using jumper hooks produce the same effect?

3. Which speaker cables/wire would you recommend for this setup? A local dealer recommended Transperrent cables, but that I think that is way to expensive. I was considering the Premium III speaker cables from Better Cables bi-wired.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

SMB