Pictures of your B&W Set-up

[PewterTA]

From the looks of it, you are correct, a big portion of your problem is the center speaker and your coffee table. You are sending a majority of the sound into the table and the glass is blocking it from getting to your ear. Just try moving the table out of the room for a test and see what you think. The only other real suggestion I can see from the pictures is that it might have benefited from being on your rear wall instead of where it currently sits (switch room around). I'd try just moving the speakers forward a little bit (bringing them into the room more) and that should help a lot.

[Russ L]

Try moving your equipment rack on the outside of your speakers. and that will help the imaging. Also the speakers should be the same distance apart at least 1.5 meters or 60 inches and should equal the distance to your middle seating position (from each speaker to the couch) The speakers should face straight forward, the rears should be further apart and turned toward the seating area more. Cover the sliding glass door with curtain when playing make sure they are cloth drapes, some pictures and wall hangings will reduce unwanted reflections(not hard surfaces like the mirror over the fireplace) The glass coffee table must be moved to the side. Good luck! -Russ (Great system by the way :T )

[kgt]

Russ, Pewter,
Thank you for your suggestions. I will certainly try these suggestions and report back. Unfortunately, though, I don't think switching the walls that the system backs up to is a possibility given my furniture situation. I will look at this more carefully, though, and re-evaluate.

..I wonder where that coffee table can go...

tbooe - to be perfectly honest, I'm not exactly sure how to describe what I think is lacking. I will have to think about this one. I know this makes it tough for you to provide advice, but I will try the suggestions mentioned above and see what kind of difference they make.

Thanks again.

[Briz vegas]

kgt
Nice looking setup, shame you are not happy with the sound. For comparison sake I have included a photo of my 804 setup. When in use the HTM7 sits on the DVD player. Not ideal in looks but it does put the speakers on the same level and out of the way of other furniture (which I don't have alot of anyway). Rack space is a bit tight since I bought the 2 channel pre recently. The power amp is hidden on the floor behind the sub. Having nothing between the mid/high drivers works very well for 2 channel sound.

I see that you seem to have the system set up across the short axis of the room. I have found that this works well. I tried having the speakers firing down the length of the room and it did not sound as good.

From a sound point of view I think that projection and plasmas are best as they do not present a bulky object between the speakers. I think that most here would agree that in an ideal world there should be as little as possible between the speakers. You should certainly notice some improvement bringing those 804s forward of the rack although watch out for timing issues if the centre is back a bit. Also having that center speaker so close to the floor would have to be a pretty significant compromise.

Hope you have some luck sorting out the sound !!!!

[jim777]

Briz vegas, your setup has a great look!

[kenkkk]

greetings to you all.... i would like to get some help and advices regarding my system.... my system is already 5 years old and i am planning to upgrade whether in the speakers/receivers ar additional pre AMP.... my video room is rather small around 4meters by 3 meters only... currently my Center Speaker is lcr 600 with 602 as my front speaker and 601 as my surround speakers and an MK v-1250 for my sub..... my receiver is rather old YAMAHA RXv800 and i would like to replace it.... and i would like some suggestion to buy a pre amp or equalizer... i dont think i have to upgrade on speakers because my room is rather small... please help me hehe thank you... will post my room pic tmw.... so can get further help if possible ty

[Briz vegas]

KenKKK- you might get more answers if you start your own thread. I think most of us are also wondering what you want to achieve with your upgrade, what is you budget range (so we can all suggest gear that is twice your budget because we can't help ourselves). By equalisers i assume you mean room correction - I know some that think it is essential for ht but turn it off for better 2 channel sound. A pre amp means you are feeding a power amp, which you do not mention - so that means another purchase. If you are wondering where to start I would suggest reading a few posts around the place to see what others have done so that you can give us a few more parameters to narrow it down. Other than that I think I can strongly recommend five big fat 801Ds (in black). :-)....oh and knock out a wall so you have some space for the top of the range Halcro Amps, but they can wait a few months down the upgrade path.

Also Wooooopie - reply 1000 and post 1001 on the pictures thread. Do I get a free set of those 801Ds for my lounge room?..........would you believe some monitors for my PC............how about some of those nice cables from the site sponsor - some top of the range bi-wires please.

[ZX10 Guy]

Thought I post up a pic update of my current system with the DD18 and SMS-1 added in to the mix. Haven't finished setting up the system with the new components yet. Hope to be able to do so this weekend.

[audioqueso]

WHOA! That's a lot of bass!! Nice setup ZX10!

[wolfgang]

Some really nice rooms. This and the other thread in the Rotel side was what attracted me to this forum in the first place. Lots of nice idea.

[ZX10 Guy]

WHOA! That's a lot of bass!! Nice setup ZX10!

Thanks. Hoping the setup is going to turn out as good as I think it will.

[Race Car Driver]

Well I just finished watching Van Helsing and F&F3 with my latest upgrades. :E

I have replaced my Blueroom 10" sub with two 12" Klipsch subs and replaced the two Blueroom rears with a pair of Klipsch SS3 surrounds. They were "cheap" and didnt really cost anything as I was able to get the Klipsch money from the Bluerooms on Ebay, the sound is much better, and didnt hurt the pocket book! That aloud me to spend on money on the main attraction...

Now on to the main attraction..... Kinda hard to miss. :twisted:
Replaced my 32" LCD with a 50" Zenith Plasma Monitor. ;x(

A few quick pics, still need to bust out the tape measure and center it, but that will have to wait untill tomorrow. Yes its level and straight, the camera and curtains are not. :W

Now I have great picture to go with the great B&W sound.

[ShadowZA]

Way to go, Race Car Driver. Absolutely beaut!

A 50" is a big step up from a 32". Enjoy, man. :T

[Joey_V]

The whole setup is coming together nicely RCD!! We demand pics with the lights on! :T

[audioqueso]

Awesome setup RCD! Your setup always does look better with every picture you take. Congrats on the nice plasma!

[Briz vegas]

Excellent step in the right direction Race car driver. Not exactly a 93" projection screen but very nice all the same. (whats wrong with the smilies, can't get them to work......how else is RCD going to get that I am pulling his leg. 50" is pretty darn good..................for a plasma screen.)

Sound must be pretty full on with the new subs.

[Pookie007]

Work in Progress

Here is my current system. I am gradually upgrading but this is how it stands as of now. I am also working on rebuilding the cabinets to accommodate the new equipment and incorporate ventilation.

NAD receiver – powers center and surrounds
Audio Research 150.2 – powers the mains
Mains – B&W 803S
Center – Monitor Audio Gold
Surrounds – B&W in walls
Subwoofer – Klipsch
Video Switch – Octavia 3-1 HDMI
TV – Hitachi 50” HDTV
DVD – Denon 2910
Cable Box – Motorola HD PVR
IR Repeater – Speakercraft
Game System – Xbox 360 (only power supply shown)

Planned upgrades
Cabinet ventilation – Active Thermal Management
Subwoofer – Velodyne DD-12
Audio Research 150.2 – center amp
Audio Research 300.2 – for mains, move existing 150.2 to rears
Pre-amp – Arcam AVP-700 or used Krell Showcase 7.1
Center speaker – B&W HTM3S
TV – Mitsubishi 60” 1080P HDTV

[theMaximus]

Nice set up Pookie. Your components stay reasonably cool inside the cabinet?

[Pookie007]

I took most of the fans out for the photos. I have 8 fans connected to a thermal switch. and plugged into a switched outlet. When the system comes on the fans start. They go to the high setting if the temperature rises to other set point. You can’t see it, but I drilled about ten 2” holes in the cabinet. They are in locations that you can’t see them from the front. I did a little bit of flex duct to the holes sent some of them to come out the top, but they are behind the TV and photos on the countertops. Most of them are routed down to the basement. I separated the 2 groups of duct by 10 feet in the basement and used registers to point them in opposite directions. I plan on getting a bigger fan installed so I can supply and return the air from the basement. I separated them to prevent recycling the warmed air. It also helps having an Audio Research amp. I have never felt it get hot.

[Race Car Driver]

Pookie, how do you like the B&W inwalls? I was looking at getting a set myself but went a cheaper route.

Joey V, i tooks some updated pics after i mounted my surrounds, lowered and centered the plasma and added some red light under the couch.... ops: Dunno if its movie theater'esk or porno-wannabe yet... :rofl:

Ill post em once I get them loaded.

[theMaximus]

Joey V, i tooks some updated pics after i mounted my surrounds, lowered and centered the plasma and added some red light under the couch.... ops: Dunno if its movie theater'esk or porno-wannabe yet... :rofl:

Now, all you need is a slot where you put in quaters and red lights should turn on automatically. :T

[Race Car Driver]

Now, all you need is a slot where you put in quaters and red lights should turn on automatically. :T

Im gonna get a Universal MX3000 remote and get that all programmed. 8)
Found the red lighting cleaning the basement last night, had to use it right? :lol:
And here they are :

Zenith 50" commercial grade monitor
B&W N802
Bryston 7B's
B&W HTM1
Klipsch S3 surrounds
Klipsch 12" subs
Denon DCD-1530
Yamaha DV-CD6670
Yamaha HTR5990
Aragon 4004
Monster HTS3600
All Audioquest King Cobra interconects, Sub-1, HDMI-1 etc etc
Salamander Rack and amp stands

[Eliav]

Beautiful !!
Can you come over and clean up my HT room ? :lol: :lol:
Cheers
Eliav

[audioqueso]

Whoa RCD... that's so cool!
I use to have some blue tubes on my old AV rack so that it lit up the glass. Perhaps you could do that as well in red to have it match the underseat lightning. Nicely done!!!

[theMaximus]

Here is my set up.

Dedicated 2-ch with Marantz SA-15, Krell KAV-400Xi, and B&W 802D
HT with Denon DVD-2910, Rotel RSX-1056, and KEF KHT 3005 package
TV is Hitachi 70" LCD RP TV.
Room is about 42' X 18'

[Pookie007]

Race Car Driver,
I like the in walls because under normal lighting conditions in the room they disappear. I really haven't done extensive listening to them alone. They are only used for surround sound. They replaced a set of Boston Acoustics and I noticed a major improvement, but there were times silence was an improvement to those old speakers.

Where does everyone get those B&W plaques for their cabinet?

[Race Car Driver]

theMaximus, I like the setup!! Would hate to see a cue ball through a screen!
Very nice!!!

Pookie, ebay, about 15$

[RebelMan]

I think RCD has just earned the "Most Improved Home Theater" award for this year! I am totally digging the rope lights, geat idea and nicely done Chris! :T

[ShadowZA]

Race Car Driver
Love the low angle shot of your 802's. Underseat lighting is awesome! Love that!
:T

theMaximus
Superb & cosy setup. :T

[johan]

Race Car Driver,

Very nice setup. Great angles in the photos.

theMaximus,

Very nice room, I guess those wall-angles are good for the sound. You sit a long way from your back wall, how does that affect bass-quantity?
Also, have you just for fun compared Krell - Rotel in two-channel only and if so what are the differences?

[theMaximus]

theMaximus,

Very nice room, I guess those wall-angles are good for the sound.

I'm not really sure if wall-angles are good for the sound. Putting some acoustic treatments around the room helped a lot.

You sit a long way from your back wall, how does that affect bass-quantity?

Bass is adequate for such a large space with one subwoofer. I hooked up my Martin Logan Grotto subwoofer that I've been meaning to sell to see if a second sub made a big difference. The amount of bass didn't seem to change a whole lot but got rid of some localized bass effect. I may add another matching KEF sub down the road when I sell the Grotto. Grotto is a better sub, but my wife wants the matching look on the left and right.

Also, have you just for fun compared Krell - Rotel in two-channel only and if so what are the differences?

Before I got my Krell, I was using the Rotel receiver as a preamp for Rotel RB-1070 stereo amp. It sounded very lively for about first 10 minutes, but I found the sound to be a little fatiguing due to brightness. Looking back, I probably could have lived with 1070, but I really like the natural sound of Krell and don't have any regrets. 802D were my dream speakers, and I may upgrade to my dream amps (Classe or Mark Levinson) down the road.

[B&W 700 Guy]

New pics of my racks

Here are some new pics of Racks. Makes my wife happy, also just picked up an SMS-1 sub eq and an HR20 DirecTV HR20 DVR. Now everything fits in one rack which makes my wife happy!

In the Rack pick you can see the Turntable on a slide out shelf, Surge Protection, Fan System, AVR7300, Kenwood 400 Disc Changer, HTPC, SMS-1 and 14 Channel EQ, XBox 360 and Sunfire 5 chan Amp. One thing, there is no problem with the X-Box 360 on the amp. The Sunfire runs very cool.

[Race Car Driver]

Thanks for the compliments everyone Lotta hard work and ideas tossed around over the last few months.

B&W 700 Guy, Nice rack

[GregLett]

RCD,

This might have been covered before, but what size is your room?

[Race Car Driver]

I dont know if it has been covered,but its 15.5 feet wide, by 13.5 deep, 8 high.
Has a 6ft open entry to the right of the sitting positon that goes into the open kitchen/diningroom and two entry ways.

Small room, and not laid out how I would "prefer" but have to make do with what I have. Originally I wanted the TV and speakers infront of the red wall, but that put the couch infront of the 6 ft entry way from the kitchen, closed off the room, and made the kitchen/living room seem even smaller and more difficult to work around.


Still have ideas on how I want to build my acoustic treatment, just have to get around to it. Im taking a week off of work in 2 weeks, hope to do it during that time

[GregLett]

Thanks RCD, I was just curious. I haven't moved into my new home yet so I'm still think about what size room I can have. I'm guessing the room will be 10x 12
at best with 6' ceilings. Since you have have large speakers I thought I would ask.

[Blindamood]

I'm guessing the room will be 10x 12
at best with 6' ceilings.

Six-foot ceilings? Ouch! :W

[GregLett]

Six-foot ceilings? Ouch! :W

Yea it's the basement :cry:

[Race Car Driver]

Six-foot ceilings? Ouch! :W

Ya! Im 6"2'

[GregLett]

Ya! Im 6"2'

I'm only 5' 7"

[Tweir]

My Setup

Classe cam400 for left and right the cdp102 and the cp500. Bowers and Wilkins speakers are the 803D in the rosenut finish.

[caleb]

Nice setup Tweir,

Just a thought though - whilst your Classe stack looks very good - I always thought that stacking units on top of each other was bad in two ways: -
1) there can be electronic interference between the units.

2) they tend to get a bit hot because of restricted air circulation.

For what it's worth - I would reccomend some shelving to separate the units.

You could also put the amps closer to the speakers and use a shorter speaker wire - always a good idea to keep wires as short as possible.

Anyone here agree?

[Tweir]

Some Classe Shots

At night to show the screen.

[Tweir]

Yes, I do agree totally. As you can see the equipment I have set me back quite a bit. I will evetually set up the pre amp on the right side of the room and the amps in the center of the 803d's. However this will take a couple of months due to the purchase of the system. It works for now. I always found it funny that classe has the cd player and preamp pictured stacked and then in the owners manual they do not recomend it.

[GregLett]

It's becaus they look so dam good stacked

Nice setup Tweir. :T