Amps of differing power output vs speaker volumes

PrazVT wrote: »

SRTer - thanks for your observations. Outside of peoples' personal experiences, I've only found one guide regarding mixing amps - I think on DIYAudio's FAQs. And even that just said that it's recommended to run all channels with an equal power amplifier. Since the debate seems to not really have a definitive answer - I think the most practical approach is to just remove the potential complexities from the equation and migrate over to a good multich amp.

The A21 and Denon receiver are sold, so my amp fund is at a little over $2200 and I still have to sell the other 2 amps. So I'll have some choices, and perhaps enough left over to pick up a Cambridge 751BD or Oppo 95.

Thanks for the tip regarding Direct / Pure Direct. 2 ch music sounds great on Direct!

I'll take some pics of the the MCACC setup and post back in a bit.

@mantis, I'll take some pics of the living room as well, so you can see what I'm dealin' with.

Thanks guys. Gettin there slowly

Responding to the first statement in Red.

Yes, it is a best practice to run an amp that will power all your speakers for HT.

However, there are the mono-block people of the audio world who wouldn't agree with that. With that being said, most of them run the multi mono-blocks of the same company, series, and specs.

Truly, the point of the Pioneer Elite SC models was to power all of ones speakers' sufficiently and efficiently to reference listening levels with D-class amp power. This is where the best of the SC is to be found.

If one is not going to try to use any of the SC internal power, there is truly no need to purchase one because nearly all of the lesser Elite models will work fine as a pre for ones separate amps.

With that being said, i'm sure there are better non-internally powered AV's where their pre-out section has recieved more focus from the audio engineers over the development program.

A Pioneer Elite VSX-32 and a multi channel amp would have been more than enough.

Responding to the first statement in Blue.

Yes, I find the the DIRECT setting for 2 channel music is a delight. I use a different EQ preset for my 2 channel listening where I have gone into the MCACC and taken a flat curve and worked it to my liking.

Also, when this method is utilized, you don't have the issue of the MCACC lowering the gain on your speakers. Thus, running your volume up to -10dB will produce much more volume and SPL than your original automatic calibration made with the mic for your HT setup. I run the towers full range and everything is nice.

PrazVT wrote: »

Views from the seating position (center of couch) as well as the rest of the room. It's got a diagonal rear wall, and 20 foot ceilings ..so it's a little crazy.

I need measurements , your speakers look to close together and the Toe in looks wrong. Measure the distance from your listening position and then separate the speakers 3/4 that distance. When toeing in main channel speakers have them meet behind the couch or behind your head. So if you got behind the couch and looked at the speakers you would not see the sides at all. When in the listening position you will see slightly the inside side panels of the speakers. This will yield great improvements in 2 channel music. It will also make a more believable moving front for theater use.

Ok after looking at your pic's some more the rears are way to low and in front of you. If they have to remain in their position due to placement constrictions then point them at the back of the couch slighty to give you a diffuse sound. I strongly suggest getting them up higher like at least 4 feet so they are at least slightly higher then your ear. The tweeter should be 3 to 6 feet off the floor or 2 to 3 feet above your listening height. This yields best results and sounds more believable.
I'm not feeling those things on the left and right of your system , get rid of them. Move the speakers out as I suggested and get that sub out of the sound stance. It should sit slightly back of the mains pointing into the center of the room for best coverage and performance. I 'd rather see it on the inside of the left main pointing directly at the listening position. It would perform much better there.

I deal with the high ceiling as I got them 2. They suck for echo when you turn up the volume. Not much can be done to fit that unless your willing to treat the ceiling space. Not really worth it as the room is the room. Acoustical treatments can greatly improve anyones system but when the room is just not designed for sound , it makes for some challenging problems.

PrazVT wrote: »

Ahh there you are soundstage. I was wondering where you went lol. Okay - added about 22" of space between the speakers (81" apart now edge to edge) and they're pointing to a spot about 1foot behind the center of the couch.

That made a big difference + I moved the sub to a better spot. Still have to run MCACC again.

Yes much better , glad that helped. You will have to run MCACC again for the changes. This is what separates the men from the boys