Rmb-1095, Is This Something I Need.

[Bmac]

I'm thinking of using my RSX-1067 as a pre/pro, and purchasing a RMB-1095. Would this make a great difference in my sound? I just started using Studio 20's and I want to improve the sound. They are great, but I don't know if wattage is a weakness in my current system. I know the ten times the wattage to double the sound addage, but what about detail? My ratio of movies to music is 70/30. I just want to know what's out there to improve my system. Dollars do matter, but within reason I'd like to improve. The room is 15' x 25' x7-1/2'.

I'm sure everyone feels the same about his or her system. I don't want to waste money, but if I could improve without a complete system makeover.

The change in speakers has opened my eyes to the improvement in sound that can be had.

[gianni]

With the 20's, I'd be surprised if the amp adds much at all. What are you using as a cross over point to the sub? Don't forget that by not having the 1067 drive the 20's down to the lowest bass frquencies, you are significantly reducing power required. The 1067 is no slouch to start with.

For your own satisfaction, borrow an amp and give it a try. I'll bet there is little to no difference. Let us know your findings.

[Pez]

Are you using the matching center and surrounds? If not I would look into that first since your system is more geared towards movies.

[Bmac]

Yes, all five speakers are 20's, and the crossover is set to 80hz. I had it set to 60hz, I thought I'd give this a try.

[cfrizz]

Hi Bmac.

You will have better clarity, bass, & separation adding the 1095 to power all of your speakers.

Adding a 200wpc 2 channel Parasound for my mains made a huge difference. I finally bit the bullet & got a 5 channel Sunfire for all of my speakers. My brother now has the Parasound.

I regularly recommend that if you have tower speakers or 4ohm rated speakers, you should power them with at least a 200wpc amp! It is the biggest single improvement that I made to my system.

[shadow 8]

Just a small difference if any over the 1067. Your receiver is a honest rated and high powered unit. Unless you consistently push it at or past reference level, there is no need for more power.

[hifiguymi]

You may like the improvements the RMB-1095 will give you, but I agree with shadow 8 that it may be small. If possible, you should try to listen to one in your system and make the judgement yourself.

What don't you like that you're trying to improve? It may take a better DVD player (yes, there are noticeable differences in DVD players using the digital output) or something else to get the desired improvement.

Eric

[Bmac]

My sound stage is less than three dimensional, the sound stage seems flat. I want more life like sound. I went to the video store, and they were playing King Kong. The sound was clear, and very life like. It was a lesser system, and a less than ideal space. The only plus was the LG high def player. I know about Dolby HD, DTS HD, but I don't think the change would be that great.

[hifiguymi]

One thing you might try, if you can in your room, is set the center channel to none in the receiver and play with the placement of the left and right speakers. Try to get the soundstange your looking for and if you find it, or close to it, then turn the center channel back on and work with it's placement. The lack of three dimensionality may be speaker placement in the room.

If the demo you heard was an HD disc playing an uncompressed soundtrack, then that will have an impact as well. Try to compare the same movie or piece of music when you can.

Sometimes it can come down to synergy. As good as the receiver and speakers you have are (I sell both lines, so I know them well), they may not be the right choice for you. Try and experiment as much as possible. See if you dealer will let you borrow a new DVD player, pair of speakers, or different cables etc. Part of the fun of this stuff is experimenting with it.

Eric

[gianni]

Like others above have mentioned, this is most likely a speaker /room /setup issue. Concentrate on these areas.