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Post by wvrick on Feb 14, 2017 17:21:52 GMT -5
Well, I pulled the plug and decided to upgrade my HT because I didn't feel my receiver was up to the speakers. It wasn't an issue before because I rarely watch TV and the rest of the family monopolized the system for TV. I wanted to keep a HT 5.1 set up but I will be listening to lots of music on the system. I replaced a Yamaha RX-A550 receiver with Emotiva XPA Get 3 5 channel and an XSP-1 processor. I kept my speakers which are RBH R55ti Towers, RBH R56ci Center, RBH R55wi surrounds and SVS PB-2000 sub. Now I am worried I may have a lot better amp and processor than speakers. Any thoughts on this? I have been looking at other speakers but will wait until I get the amp and processor to try my speakers with them. To get anything that looks significantly better is in the neighborhood of $4K and I hate to throw down that much after the latest purchase. I would appreciate thoughts on my speakers and suggestions of other speakers to look at if they would make a big difference. Thanks in advance.
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Post by teaman on Feb 14, 2017 17:48:32 GMT -5
Personally I would suggest you stop worrying about what looks better and seek out what sounds better. I have Klipsch commercial/industrial speakers in my bedroom that most would call ugly, however they put many much more costly speakers to shame. Listen to all of the speakers you are thinking of getting and make an educated decision with what your ears tell you.
Tim
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Post by wvrick on Feb 14, 2017 18:14:47 GMT -5
By look I meant specs, or more accurately sound, not physical aesthetics. My wording was confusing, I don't care if they look like industrial products. I am more interested in the sound. I live in the middle of nowhere so I don't really have the luxury of listening to other decent speakers firsthand so I usually order on line. I may find out I am perfectly happy with the speakers I have.
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Post by vcautokid on Feb 14, 2017 19:56:58 GMT -5
Hello Wvrick. I am a bit confused here with your statement "I replaced a Yamaha RX-A550 receiver with Emotiva XPA Get 3 5 channel and an XSP-1 processor." Did you mean the XMC-1 as that is a Processor, and the XSP-1 is a 2 channel Stereo Preamplifier. Just wanted a bit of clarification before I go too deep.
As far as I can see from the rest of your description. If you are happy with what is happening with the sound of your music, that is all that matters. Synergy of Loudspeaker and Electronics sure, but at the end of the day, how is the music doing for you? What do you love? What do you want different is anything?
Give a try with the Emotiva electronics with your speakers and see where you are. You never know. Maybe you will find Nirvana. Or you may want to go another course.
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Post by wvrick on Feb 14, 2017 20:26:48 GMT -5
I meant XPA 5 gen 3 and XSP-1Typing on the phone with progressive lens is the pits.
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Post by wvrick on Feb 14, 2017 20:29:14 GMT -5
Thanks. That is great advice and I will do just that. I guess I'm like an addict. I had some and I want more. Can't wait until the amp and processor get here. I'm sure I didn't hear my speakers with the Yamaha.
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Post by mountain on Feb 15, 2017 9:23:49 GMT -5
Hello Wvrick. I am a bit confused here with your statement "I replaced a Yamaha RX-A550 receiver with Emotiva XPA Get 3 5 channel and an XSP-1 processor." Did you mean the XMC-1 as that is a Processor, and the XSP-1 is a 2 channel Stereo Preamplifier. Just wanted a bit of clarification before I go too deep. As far as I can see from the rest of your description. If you are happy with what is happening with the sound of your music, that is all that matters. Synergy of Loudspeaker and Electronics sure, but at the end of the day, how is the music doing for you? What do you love? What do you want different is anything? Give a try with the Emotiva electronics with your speakers and see where you are. You never know. Maybe you will find Nirvana. Or you may want to go another course. I am confused also. I read your previous posts staying that you upgraded to the XMC-1, which is a multichannel processor. Now you state that you bought the XSP-1, which is a 2 channel preamp with ht bypass. The Yamaha does not appear to have pre outs in order to be able to still use it as a multichannel processor with your new more powerful emotiva amps (via ht bypass). So, first, confirm which one is on the way, your multichannel needs will be different. Second, I agree, listen to your new set up, adjust positioning of your speakers, toe in, bass management, room correction software, if available, etc. Listen and take your time, you may find those speakers are just fine. |
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Post by wvrick on Feb 15, 2017 12:09:37 GMT -5
Oh my, my eyes are worse than I thought. I ordered the XMC-1 and XPA 5 channel gen 3. Thanks for catching that and I appreciate the input.
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Post by Bonzo on Feb 15, 2017 12:23:50 GMT -5
I live in the middle of nowhere so I don't really have the luxury of listening to other decent speakers firsthand so I usually order on line. That's your #1 problem. Buying speakers unheard by you online from other's recommendations is a total crap shoot. The actual sound each brand/model of speaker produces and whether you like it or not is VERY subjective and HUGELY dependent on personal taste. There is no perfect one fits all speaker. Perhaps you could take a planned vacation somewhere with pre-made appointments at stores in that area? And make sure you bring your own music (both on CD or USB drive) so you can compare what you know, not they music they want you to hear. |
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Post by knucklehead on Feb 15, 2017 12:55:02 GMT -5
Whenever I see someone spending big bucks on electronics in anticipation of hearing things they've never heard before in music - and the speakers are a pair of Polk Audio Monitor 70's all I can think of is 'oh oh'! Sooner or later it dawns on the buyer that his/her old $500 AVR didn't sound all that bad after all. Expecting to have a heavy shipping blanket lifted from their speakers didn't happen - and in fact that 'thin veil was lifted' scenario covering their speakers didn't happen either!
When starting from scratch and looking for recommendations for 2 channel - with a total budget of say, $5000, IMO at least half the budget (and maybe more) should go to the speakers. The one link in the chain that will make the biggest sound quality difference - for good or bad is speakers. Better (more costly) electronics isn't likely to improve sound quality very much - if at all. IME having good bass management is key when using a sub or two. Even basement level AVR's have better bass management than most higher priced 2 channel preamp/integrated/receiver gear. Being limited to adjusting bass via a plate amp (unless it has a DSP) is rudimentary at best. The sound quality with the current AVR's and processors are much better than they were from 10-15 years ago.
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Post by wvrick on Feb 15, 2017 18:43:07 GMT -5
I really appreciate all of the comments and suggestions. I guess I need to be more specific with some details. I have not been involved with really listening to a sound system for over twenty five years. My wife was a TV and movie fanatic and had a friend spec the HT system in the house. I am more of a music person who loves music first and maybe 20% movies. My wife passed away last April and last month for the first time I turned on the system and listened to it. I tried everything but the speakers sounded totally flat and lifeless unless the amp was cranked 3/4 of the way. I decided to buy a new processor and power amp that lead me to Emotiva. I have not personally purchased any AV equipment since 1978 when I bought a Carver amp and preamp with Bose 901s. Those are long gone and I want to get back into something to feel a little passion about in this empty house. I don't have an unlimited budget and would be perfectly happy to keep the RBH speakers. I just want something that gets my attention and engages me in my old vinyl and cds. I have been looking at ID speakers in case these RBHs are really not up to the task. The reason being is I can audition them in my own space and hit most pay shipping if i don't like them.
I guess the questions I should have asked are as follows. Does anyone have experience with RBH speakers (R55ti, R56ci and R55wi with an SVS PB-2000 sub) and what is your impression of their capabilities and sound? If you had to buy new speakers right now for a 5.1 system and would lean heavily toward music which ones would you recommend at a budget of $4,000 maximum? Recommendations just mean that if I find the RBHs lacking I will know where to start looking and start saving money for a purchase.
Thanks again, I realize I have a lot to learn after being away from the market for a very long time and want to rely on your expertise and knowledge.
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Post by gearhead2003 on Feb 15, 2017 19:46:43 GMT -5
"My wife passed away last April."
Sorry to hear about your loss. Perhaps listening to music and tinkering around your audio equipment will occupy your alone time. You can always post here and will find plenty of Emo Nerds to chat with. I hope you enjoy your new gear. A helpful hint....bend and lift with your knees, not your back.
Cheers,
Emo Fan in Denver
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Post by wvrick on Feb 15, 2017 20:07:01 GMT -5
Thanks, I appreciate knowing I have people to learn from about all that has happened in the AV world since my last purchase. I have quite a lot to learn and I hope my questions aren't too stupid. But hey, I'm essentially starting from scratch again. I know getting back into music and sound is just the thing I need right now. It will occupy my time and reward me in many other ways.
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Post by gearhead2003 on Feb 15, 2017 20:29:14 GMT -5
Thanks, I appreciate knowing I have people to learn from about all that has happened in the AV world since my last purchase. I have quite a lot to learn and I hope my questions aren't too stupid. But hey, I'm essentially starting from scratch again. I know getting back into music and sound is just the thing I need right now. It will occupy my time and reward me in many other ways. No worries friend! As for starting from scratch, start with the basis and build from there. For music I would start with 2.0 listening and see if you like the towers. If you ears warm to the speakers but sound a little off, play with the settings a bit. If you're still having issues, call EMO when you have plenty of time. Try listening to the music you like and in the format you intend on listening to music in. Establish your basic listening profile (settings, format etc) then get into the details i.e. Range, distance, etc. For surround sound listening profiles, the process is easier but more detailed in setting/refinements. EMO can help with those. Hope this helps! |
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Post by wvrick on Feb 15, 2017 20:42:20 GMT -5
That helps a lot. I need this kind of logical advice that helps me focus on one bite at a time. I have heard great things about the towers but everyone says they need a sub which I have. There was also a suggestion to increase treble 3 db so I'm going to try that with different sub crossover settings to start. Tom at Power Sound Audio told me they are good speakers and if I wanted something more dynamic to give his MTM 210t towers a try. He was very helpful without trying to sell me new speakers. That makes me put PSA high on the list if I decide the RBHs won't cut it.
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LCSeminole
Global Moderator 
Res firma mitescere nescit.
Posts: 20,848
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Post by LCSeminole on Feb 15, 2017 20:56:34 GMT -5
A helpful hint....bend and lift with your knees, not your back. This is very good advice! No need for you to be laying on the couch listening to your tunes because your back gave out on you lifting home theater equipment!  |
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Post by vneal on Feb 15, 2017 22:02:53 GMT -5
I am not familiar with KBH speakers but you must question the sound or you would not be asking. Your system should sound wonderful. If not your electronics are probably not the culprit. If so, audition different brands and go with your heart.
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Post by wvrick on Feb 16, 2017 6:56:21 GMT -5
I think you are probably correct. The thing we cheaped out on was the receiver because of budget. It is a Yamaha RX-A550 and I just don't think it was up to the task. I can't wait for my new amp and preamp to arrive so I can spend a few weeks testing and adjusting things to honestly evaluate the speakers. Nothing would thrill me more than to be blown away by the current speakers. I would rather invest $4K in more source material than speakers.
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Post by vneal on Feb 16, 2017 7:42:00 GMT -5
I think you are probably correct. The thing we cheaped out on was the receiver because of budget. It is a Yamaha RX-A550 and I just don't think it was up to the task. I can't wait for my new amp and preamp to arrive so I can spend a few weeks testing and adjusting things to honestly evaluate the speakers. Nothing would thrill me more than to be blown away by the current speakers. I would rather invest $4K in more source material than speakers. You are the judge and jury. But loudspeakers make the most difference of all components, If they are not to your liking you may never know your systems capabilities. |
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Post by wvrick on Feb 16, 2017 8:58:30 GMT -5
So true about the speakers. I don't feel I have had equipment that would allow me to evaluate the RBHs I have. I will spend some time doing that and If I'm happy, great more source material. If I'm unhappy I will ask you all for input and recommendations about speakers. After all, it doesn't make sense to spend $3,600 and processor and amp only to not use them to their best abilities. I really enjoy all of the input and different opinions and I can see merit in every comment and I do give them serious thought. Thanks for responding.
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