804s/HTM3s good combo for HT?

[SoundEngine355]

As a previous owner of the 803D and HTM2D I was very impressed with the sound and quality of the speakers, I've since sold them and now have the money to re-purchase some good quality speakers, I cannot afford to go back to the D range, but was thinking the 804s and HTM3s are a good match, they are using the same drivers.

I would use them for HT only.

[htsteve]

SoundEngine355,

The 804 and HTM3S would be excellent fot HT. I had N804's and an HTM1. I liked them very much. One thing to consider is that 800 series are really made for dedicated amps. They love current. Recievers will sound good with them, but they are quite capable and really need an amp.

You might consider finding some 700 series if still available or the CM series plus a good amp, like the Rotel RB-1575 (250 X 5). You can still use the Denon as a pre-amp until you can get a dedicated pre-amp.


Hope this helps.

[garak]

I agree, the 804S and HTM3S are excellent for HT use. I went the opposite direction from you SoundEngine355. I originally had the 804S and HTM4S as my front 3, and have since gone to the 803D, HTM2D.

I thought the 804S, HTM4S were great for HT.

[Hberg]

I have the 804s with the HTM3s. The front is powered by a Classe CA-3200 with the SSP-800 as the processor. Personally, I am very happy with the set-up from a 2-Channel and HT perspective. Before I upgraded to the Classe products I was using a Marantz receiver (SR7001), and the 804s/HTM3s combo sound nice as well. Not quite as nice as with the Classe products, but nice all the same. I purchased the CA-3200 shortly there after and ran it through the Marantz.

For reference purposes ...

There are pictures of my set-up when I had the Marantz SR7001 and the CA-3200 in the Classe Club in the thread "Pictures of your Classe Gear" (page 3). I have yet to take a new picture.

http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=24730&page=3&pp=35

My current system consists of:

Classe' SSP-800
Classe' CA-3200
B&W 804S (L&R)
B&W HTM3S (Center)
Rotel RMB-1075
B&W Signature 7 (L&R Surround)
B&W CCM817 (L&R Surround Back)
SIM2 Domino 30H
Stuart 100" Screen
Playstation 3
RTI T2C Remote
Rotel RT-1084
Denon DVD-2900
Denon CDRW-1500
Apple TV

[Charlieu]

I'm running the 804s and HTM3 powered by a Pioneer SC-07. Movies and music sound great. My only gripe is that the HTM3 is a sealed unit, so even though the 804s has the same drivers, running the speakers full range doesn't give the same sound. I cross over to a sub which seems to mitigate the problem.

Coming from a larger speaker, I would think you should be concerned about the volume of sound these put out. I sit about 10 feet from mine and it is a room filling experience. My room is pretty well treated so I'm not fighting cancellations and nulls.

Charlie

[misterdoggy]

I think they are all good. The htm3s is similar to the ol htm1

Still a great speaker. Of course the 2d is a step up and probably worth the $$ if you are serious and have the cash.

[SoundEngine355]

Yeah I'm thinking:

B&W 803D with HTM2D
2 x Velodyne DD15 or 2 x SVS PB13-Ultra subwoofers

[ray5]

[QUOTE=Charlieu] My only gripe is that the HTM3 is a sealed unit, so even though the 804s has the same drivers, running the speakers full range doesn't give the same sound. I cross over to a sub which seems to mitigate the problem.


I am new to all this but could you elaborate what you mean by this?
Ray

[ShadowZA]

... was thinking the 804s and HTM3s are a good match, they are using the same drivers.

I would use them for HT only.

In my opinion the 804s & HTM3s presents a wonderful match. You might not want to put too much low-end pressure on the 804s's and therefore crossing over to the sub at 80Hz should do it. :T

[Charlieu]

[QUOTE=ray5]

My only gripe is that the HTM3 is a sealed unit, so even though the 804s has the same drivers, running the speakers full range doesn't give the same sound. I cross over to a sub which seems to mitigate the problem.


I am new to all this but could you elaborate what you mean by this?
Ray

This is something that only affects the lower frequencies. A sealed system will give you tighter bass, but not go as low as a ported system with all other factors such as drivers and cabinet construction remaining the same. Panning the sound between a ported and sealed speaker will result in a different sound coming from each of the speakers. As I mentioned, using a sub to handle the lower frequencies will take this difference out of the equation and result in consistant sound across all three of your front speakers.

[ray5]

[QUOTE=Charlieu]

This is something that only affects the lower frequencies. A sealed system will give you tighter bass, but not go as low as a ported system with all other factors such as drivers and cabinet construction remaining the same. Panning the sound between a ported and sealed speaker will result in a different sound coming from each of the speakers. As I mentioned, using a sub to handle the lower frequencies will take this difference out of the equation and result in consistant sound across all three of your front speakers.

Thanks.