My “new” 2 channel setup

simm · December 6

I have not had a 2 channel setup since I was in college back in the mid 80’s and that was a lower level Technics receiver and cassette deck along with Technics speakers. It was all I could afford and I used it until about 1993 when I got into HT surround sound. Over the years I built a decent surround system that I used for both stereo and multi channel listening. I was happy with what I had.

A couple of years ago I found I was mostly listening to 2 channel so decided it was time to up my 2 channel game. I picked up a LUXMAN SACD player locally that really impressed me so I went in search of either a preamp to pair with my Parasound A21+ or a quality integrated amp. I ultimately came across a nice deal on a LUXMAN 509x integrated and my wife and I did a 16 hour round trip to pick it up in person in PA. That was about 2 months ago. I am using it to power my L800’s and the sound I am getting is the best I have ever had in my room. I do want to get a decent streamer and DAC but for now I’m running my laptop via USB into the D-05u with no complaints.

I think I have only powered up the multichannel setup a couple of times since October and don’t miss it at all.

F1nut · December 6

👍👍👍

simm · December 21

Over the last week or so I’ve been been focusing on getting the L800’s positioned right to get the best SDA effect and I’m getting close to having them adjusted correctly for my room. I’m getting a great soundstage now as well as deeper bass than I thought possible without a subwoofer. Currently they are 18” from the rear wall and 7.5’ apart and close to 10’ from main listening position. I’m going to keep making small adjustments. I had briefly considered selling them and going with a smaller speaker but for now I’m really impressed with the sound I am getting. I had forgotten how realistic good 2 channel sound could be.

Emlyn · December 21

Since the L800s can't be adjusted for toe-in like other speakers the spacing between the speakers, the distance to the side walls, and the distance to the sweet spot for listening is a trial and error process that can take a while to figure out. I have found distance to the rear wall isn't critical but the bass loading is room dependent. I have one pair about three feet into the room to the rear of the speakers for home theater and another pair about 18 inches into the room for two channel (with a REL S/812 subwoofer for support).

pitdogg2 · December 21

You have TWO sets of L800's....Baller!

😄

Emlyn · December 21

Got the second set direct from Polk for $2600 shipped towards the end of their "secret" liquidation project.

I figure these will be in place for at least as long as my hearing is still good.

simm · December 21

Emlyn wrote: »

Since the L800s can't be adjusted for toe-in like other speakers the spacing between the speakers, the distance to the side walls, and the distance to the sweet spot for listening is a trial and error process that can take a while to figure out. I have found distance to the rear wall isn't critical but the bass loading is room dependent. I have one pair about three feet into the room to the rear of the speakers for home theater and another pair about 18 inches into the room for two channel (with a REL S/812 subwoofer for support).

I can’t imagine having 2 pairs in one room. I bought a speaker selector switch so I can use with both the integrated amp and the surround system. It is an amazing speaker for sure.

Emlyn · December 21

I have them in two different places. They wouldn't work right in one system.

My “new” 2 channel setup

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