Further upgrading my home cinema system, what to buy next?

[nugget2014]

Come into a (little) bit of money selling few things on ebay that are of no use to me anymore and going to use the money for home cinema upgrades theres a few options for me here.

Do i get surrounds, making my setup a 5.0 (cambridge audio minx min11) unless i can justifying upgrading to min21

Do i get a subwoofer (most likely bk monolith)

Do i save for a bit longer and get the floorstanders i am most excited in? (MA bronze bx6) going to try out a few other speakers along that price point, dali zensor 7 and b&w 685 s2

what are you thoughts on the b&w cm1's compared to the newer 685 s2's?

i love my bass and i tried using pure direct on my sony str-dn1040 ac receiver and i did not like it at all, hardly noticed any bass there! i'll stick to my +10 bass eq only good for artists like taylor swift where you dont care about bass i wouldnt mind having a pair of floorstanders so i wouldnt need to eq the bass. how is the soundstage and bass on both the b&w speakers?

room is about 14 by 12ft cant upload picture as its buggy and stretches horribly.

going to sell my v moda m100 headphones and use the money towards more budget for upgrade.

 

[bigboss]

Without a shred of doubt, a subwoofer. It's not just about thumps, the soundstage suddenly becomes lively. It's the singlemost speaker that makes maximum impact to your home cinema experience. You don't need floorstanders for bass. Leave it to the specialist (subwoofer).

 

[nugget2014]

Without a shred of doubt, a subwoofer. It's not just about thumps, the soundstage suddenly becomes lively. It's the singlemost speaker that makes maximum impact to your home cinema experience. You don't need floorstanders for bass. Leave it to the specialist (subwoofer).

i still would need floorstanders or better speakers in the future as then i'd turn sub off for music as i have music on many hours a day and i think neighbours would try to kill me..although bass doesnt go that low for music and not often anyway just a big thump of the room so maybe its not as bad for neighbours for music? as when i had a demo i THINK the room shakes and things vibrate with the extended low bass notes of films but music is quick thump am i right or wrong in saying music bass wont be felt/heard as much as movie bass? at a reasonable volume of course

 

[bigboss]

It is a myth that floorstanders are better. Theres no reason why floorstanders should perform better with bass notes than subwoofer when it comes to music. Subwoofer isn't about the thump when properly set up. You should be alright with neighbours.

 

[plastic penguin]

Without a shred of doubt, a subwoofer. It's not just about thumps, the soundstage suddenly becomes lively. It's the singlemost speaker that makes maximum impact to your home cinema experience. You don't need floorstanders for bass. Leave it to the specialist (subwoofer).

i still would need floorstanders or better speakers in the future as then i'd turn sub off for music as i have music on many hours a day and i think neighbours would try to kill me..although bass doesnt go that low for music and not often anyway just a big thump of the room so maybe its not as bad for neighbours for music? as when i had a demo i THINK the room shakes and things vibrate with the extended low bass notes of films but music is quick thump am i right or wrong in saying music bass wont be felt/heard as much as movie bass? at a reasonable volume of course

BB is right. Bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. Floorstanders have certain qualities that smaller standmounts don't have, and vice versa.

If you're hearing the occasional thump, subject to interpreration, then you are either cranking up the volume too high or your current speakers aren't right for your room size or amp.

Given how far the speakers are placed apart I would avoid floorstanders like the plague. You will never hear the best the amp can give. For EDITED sake go and try some little Tannoys at Richer Sounds. You might be surprised. They'll work a treat with Sony amps.

 

[jonathanRD]

Hi Nugget, having followed your threads and seen the early photos of the room in your new flat, I was a little surprised that you put your tv and speakers against the wall adjacent to the doorway. Did you consider putting them against the opposite wall where you can widen the soundstage? I agree with others that floorstanders may be 'too much' in your room, and especially if placed where your current speakers are located.

From memory I think you also have altered your focus from just home cinema to music as well, so if floorstanders are not going to work, a well integrated sub maybe a better option, and this then may rule out the BK Monolith as it is best for music, as far as BK subs go, the XXLS400 would then be a better option. I have the 400 in a room 5m x 4m and I am more than happy with it for both cinema and music. At night I often turn the sub off when listening to music so I don't disturb others in the house. As you are in a flat with neighbours below you, this might be a better option (as you cant turn the base off floorstanders without tone controls).

Can your system go against another (wider) wall?

 

[Glacialpath]

Hi there.

What is the subfllor of your flat? Also what is the construction of the adjacent walls to your neighbours? I live in a first floor flat. I'm on the end but I have someone on one side and one below. They can't hear my movies or music unless they are dead quiet and then they can only barely hear it.

I have my films and music loud. The floor constrution in my flat is 12inch thick concrete and the wall joining me to the flat nextdoor is a cavity brick wall.

I'm very lucky in that respect but if your flat is built the same way then you will be fine leaving a sub on for music. As other people have said a subwoofer is not to add bass but to add/allow the weight of the sound/music to be replicated in full. Speakers alone can't do it even if they have a great bass responce. I would keep saving your money and do justice to your AVR buy getting what is needed to 5.1

 

[nugget2014]

Hi Nugget, having followed your threads and seen the early photos of the room in your new flat, I was a little surprised that you put your tv and speakers against the wall adjacent to the doorway. Did you consider putting them against the opposite wall where you can widen the soundstage? I agree with others that floorstanders may be 'too much' in your room, and especially if placed where your current speakers are located.

From memory I think you also have altered your focus from just home cinema to music as well, so if floorstanders are not going to work, a well integrated sub maybe a better option, and this then may rule out the BK Monolith as it is best for music, as far as BK subs go, the XXLS400 would then be a better option. I have the 400 in a room 5m x 4m and I am more than happy with it for both cinema and music. At night I often turn the sub off when listening to music so I don't disturb others in the house. As you are in a flat with neighbours below you, this might be a better option (as you cant turn the base off floorstanders without tone controls).

Can your system go against another (wider) wall?

the other side of room with slightly bigger area (goes into an alcove) but theres a radiator there which if wasnt there i would of swapped the setup around but dont think it's possible.

if floorstanders are not the best option for my room then what price of speaker would i have to pay to get a better sound quality+bass+soundstage?

 

[nugget2014]

Hi there.

What is the subfllor of your flat? Also what is the construction of the adjacent walls to your neighbours? I live in a first floor flat. I'm on the end but I have someone on one side and one below. They can't hear my movies or music unless they are dead quiet and then they can only barely hear it.

I have my films and music loud. The floor constrution in my flat is 12inch thick concrete and the wall joining me to the flat nextdoor is a cavity brick wall.

I'm very lucky in that respect but if your flat is built the same way then you will be fine leaving a sub on for music. As other people have said a subwoofer is not to add bass but to add/allow the weight of the sound/music to be replicated in full. Speakers alone can't do it even if they have a great bass responce. I would keep saving your money and do justice to your AVR buy getting what is needed to 5.1

i have carpet with underlay over wooden floorboards. the neighbour underneath me is the only one that can hear my music (if he ever has) as the room directly behind the tv is my kitchen, the room behind the kitchen is upstairs neighbours so i dont think its possible for them to hear it.

 

[bigboss]

Now that you're not even acknowledging the suggestion of adding a sub, I'll say this for one last time & I'm out.

For better results from your existing speakers (and before you waste more money on different speakers), get a sub (they also have a try at home policy) and set your speakers to "small".

That way, the lower frequencies will be diverted to the sub which can handle them the best. Your existing speakers won't have to concentrate on those lower frequencies, and therefore do justice to other frequencies. Your system will sing.

That's all I have to say. I'm out.

 

[nugget2014]

Now that you're not even acknowledging the suggestion of adding a sub, I'll say this for one last time & I'm out.

For better results from your existing speakers (and before you waste more money on different speakers), get a sub (they also have a try at home policy) and set your speakers to "small".

That way, the lower frequencies will be diverted to the sub which can handle them the best. Your existing speakers won't have to concentrate on those lower frequencies, and therefore do justice to other frequencies. Your system will sing.

That's all I have to say. I'm out.

sorry bigboss, i forgot to quote saying that i AM getting a sub, infact i decided that i'll get a sub next before anything else. although i have yet to decide on a model

 

[nugget2014]

Now that you're not even acknowledging the suggestion of adding a sub, I'll say this for one last time & I'm out.

For better results from your existing speakers (and before you waste more money on different speakers), get a sub (they also have a try at home policy) and set your speakers to "small".

That way, the lower frequencies will be diverted to the sub which can handle them the best. Your existing speakers won't have to concentrate on those lower frequencies, and therefore do justice to other frequencies. Your system will sing.

That's all I have to say. I'm out.

sorry bigboss, i forgot to quote saying that i AM getting a sub, infact i decided that i'll get a sub next before anything else. although i have yet to decide on a model thanks for your advice

 

[bigboss]

*drinks*

Do one thing at a time, so you know what gives the maximum impact. Get a sub first, and then see if anything else needs changing.

 

[nugget2014]

*drinks*

Do one thing at a time, so you know what gives the maximum impact. Get a sub first, and then see if anything else needs changing.

yeah, although even after i get a sub in the future i will most likely upgrade my fronts anyway as i tend to get an upgrade every so often as i always want to improve. if not floorstanders then some better standmount's. although thats last on my list as surrounds after the sub. may also get some doly atmos speaker things to put ontop of my dali zensor 3's (thats if sony 1040 gets firmware update to support atmos..)

 

[Glacialpath]

When you decide on a sub because you have floorboards you'll want to isolate the subwoofer from the floor. Either spikes or some other method.

Thant's good you have 2 kitchens for the sound to travel through before your next door neighbout hears it. Shame about the radiator. Can it be moved?

Sounds like you need to learn quite a bit before spending too much. You got the bug for sure but as BigBoss says, one thing at a time. We are all learning of course. If you learn all the steps to get the best out of what you currently have then you will be better prepared to set up any new kit you get.

Here's an option. Would you be able to set you kit up in the corner it is currently in on a diagonal instead of up against the corner?

 

[bigboss]

thats if sony 1040 gets firmware update to support atmos..

Unlikely. It's 7.2 channel; you need 9.2 for effective Atmos (although 5.1.2 is possible). Only future receivers will be Atmos enabled.

 

[nugget2014]

When you decide on a sub because you have floorboards you'll want to isolate the subwoofer from the floor. Either spikes or some other method.

Thant's good you have 2 kitchens for the sound to travel through before your next door neighbout hears it. Shame about the radiator. Can it be moved?

Sounds like you need to learn quite a bit before spending too much. You got the bug for sure but as BigBoss says, one thing at a time. We are all learning of course. If you learn all the steps to get the best out of what you currently have then you will be better prepared to set up any new kit you get.

Here's an option. Would you be able to set you kit up in the corner it is currently in on a diagonal instead of up against the corner?

i dont think so now, to the left of the setup all the way to the back is a window and a door and theres no plug so thats not an option. i dont know if a radiator can be moved i'll ask my dad about it since he's the landlord. although is it costly to put it elsewhere or have it took out completely? could move setup then. yeah i'm gonna isolate the sub. was going to buy the superspikes, whats difference of superspikes m6 vs m8? was also going to buy a big granite chopping board or something, also heard of the auralex gamma if that's better than a chopping board?

the top 3 subs i'm considering are the bk monolith, svs pb-1000 and the dali ikon sub mk2, (because its the best looking sub i've seen) and still decent spec

 

[nugget2014]

Now that you're not even acknowledging the suggestion of adding a sub, I'll say this for one last time & I'm out.

For better results from your existing speakers (and before you waste more money on different speakers), get a sub (they also have a try at home policy) and set your speakers to "small".

That way, the lower frequencies will be diverted to the sub which can handle them the best. Your existing speakers won't have to concentrate on those lower frequencies, and therefore do justice to other frequencies. Your system will sing.

That's all I have to say. I'm out.

by the way you mentioned a demo at home..who does this? as richer would charge £100. (thats if i was to get a sub from there) bk dont do home demo :/ i think i read that nick at homesounds or something does but i'd rather get a mono than a pb1000 even if i could demo the svs.

 

[bigboss]

According to this, BK has a 35-day returns policy. Better confirm with them:

http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/showthread.php?t=122401

 

[bigboss]

If you buy the sub online, as per Distance Selling regulations, you have 7 days to change your mind and return it. That allows you to demo at home. Read the terms carefully as you're expected to pay for return postage.

 

[nugget2014]

thats if sony 1040 gets firmware update to support atmos..

Unlikely. It's 7.2 channel; you need 9.2 for effective Atmos (although 5.1.2 is possible). Only future receivers will be Atmos enabled.

so does this mean until i get a new av/r i wont be able to experience dolby atmos at all?

 

[bigboss]

Unfortunately no. There won't be many films coded with Dolby Atmos initially, so you have some time.