Are you noticing a mismatch? If not and you’re happy I’d just stick with what you have. On paper there’s not a lotta difference between the HTM2 and 4S anyway.
Picking a speakers
Hi guys, I need your opinion on which speakers to pick. I recently purchased a 2 Bowers and Wilkins 805S and HTM2 for a center channel. I read somewhere that they don't match. And would need to get HTM4S to match 805S. Now, my question is: Should I purchase HTM4S and stick with 805S or should I purchase 804N and stick with HTM2? PS: I do have a nice velodyne servo subwoofer, so the bass is not my problem.Thank you in advance!
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Hi, thank you for your response. It is hard to tell. All movies playing different stuff on left and right versus center. And music is playing just left and right channels and no center. I guess I'm trying to figure out if I should keep 805S or buy 804N for same money. That would be my main question. |
The most important thing is to not mix brands… they have very different sounds.
I think I would look at it this way. The HTM2 is a good substitute for the 4 until you can afford a 4. If you listen to two channel, then your left and right are the most important. You are distracted while watching video and the details of speakers are not as noticeable.
The HTM4S is a better sounding speaker than the 2. 85% of the content in HT comes from the center. You want better sound, then at some point, you can upgrade.
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I am going to make an assumption that you have an av type receiver that included a "setup" microphone. If that is true read on. Using the manual and the mic, calibrate each channel to the proper volume output. If you change speakers, repeat. Now you are ready to compare speakers for there sonic capabilities within your particular AV system. |
I do have Denon 3200w receiver that I use to power center channel right now. And I use Denon POA-2200 amp to power left and right. I did the calibration with the microphone. And it sounds fantastic. I just wanted to know if 804 will sound even better, since it’s a floorstanding speaker. I don’t have a chance to hear them, that’s why I thought maybe someone can help me to decide. Thank you |
Hey, I have run into this before. I have Soliloquy 7 channel speaker setup. A buddy of mine sold me a Sonus Faber Cremona speaker. I decided to replace my perfectly matching speaker with the Sonus Faber because it is 2x-3x as good. About 60-65% of the front sound comes out of the center speaker. It’s the most important speaker along with the subwoofer. You have to remember your surround processor has a ton of DSP. You would be amazed at how well it can match off branded speakers. Most important is to run your processor calibration software and then check your SPL’s on each speaker and maybe if you really want to dial it in to the last degree do some manual eq adjustments. One final note. My main theater speakers go down to 25hz and the center is 40 hz. Nothing gives your speaker’s position away more than bass or Hz below 80. I say if you have nice subs that can handle it cut them to 100-110 hz. If you have 2 way or 2.5 way-speakers this really makes sense because you will get much better mids since you speaker doesn’t have to work itself to death trying to get below 100 hz. Midrange is what makes sound real. In two channel mode I do full range with the subwoofer at about 60hz. I hope this helps. |
I’m familiar with the 804Ns and their bass capabilities are not much to write home about, and especially since you’re using a sub I think you’d be giving up more in sound quality than improving bass/dynamics. If you feel like upgrading the center it certainly can’t hurt but not sure you’ll get a big improvement as the designs are quite similar. What’s the rest of the equipment in your system, and is your priority more 2 channel or HT? Depending on this you may be better off putting those $$$ to work elsewhere in your system so definitely take that into consideration. |
The main reason for upgrading to the 804s would be if you wanted a fuller, more bass heavy sound and to do a better job filling the room. I find bookshelves tend to struggle with large rooms at higher volumes then their floorstanding counterparts. If the sub is sufficient delivering bass, and the speakers/amp don't sound constrained at your listening volumes then I'd stick with what you have. |
Very helpful info — thanks! Assuming your AVR has preamp outs as you’re already using a stereo amp, if I’m you I hang onto that center and save up for a good separate stereo preamp (with a HT bypass feature) and amp. Here’s an excellent 5-channel amp at a great price, and if you only need 3 channels you might be able to biamp your 805s, which wouldn’t suck because they like power. https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650007959-mccormack-ht-5-power-amp/ IMO your first priority by far is to get that AVR outta the signal path for 2-channel because it’s a huge bottleneck to the performance your speakers are capable of, hence the stereo preamp suggestion. Simply run the front L/R preouts from the AVR into the stereo pre and when listening to 2-channel the AVR will be completely out of the signal path, and you can switch between stereo and HT with the simple push of one button — it’s a beautiful thing really. Just some thoughts FWIW. |
I was thinking about bi amping all of them. What wattage per channel do I need when bi amping? My Denon amp is 220wpc stereo, I believe. I never use it really loud, but if I connect another amp for tweeter it's not going to burn the speakers? And what amp and pre amp would you recommend in my situation? |
I wouldn’t take the Rotel over the McCormack, and the B&K is probably really old. Personally I’d go with the HT5. But, and this goes for the preamp too, it really comes down to what sound characteristics you’re looking for and which are most important to you. Would you like better or fuller tonality, more or less treble info, better imaging, more expanded 3D soundstage, etc.? The more info you give about your specific preferences the better recommendations you’ll get here. Be excited — you’re in for a real treat once you get these pieces put in place. BTW, what are you using for a 2-channel source as that’s critical too. |
I have Egreat A11 Media player. All my music on my network. I wish could compare different pre amps than I could tell you more about what I like more) I never had a chance to listen to high end systems before. I do listen to all kinds of music. Mostly Rock, but I like Blues, Jazz, Electronic. I really like to hear acoustic guitar, trumpet, piano, violin, nice bass guitar stuff. |
Ok. What’s your budget range for a preamp and amp, and would you buy new or used? Not at all familiar with your media player, but if it’s a low-budget player that’s something you’d really want to look at upgrading too because it’s also a critical component for 2-channel performance. Decent streamers can be had in the $200 - $400 range, but things get better as you get to around the $1000 price range (of course) and some have serviceable DACs that can hold you over until you can upgrade there too. Innuos, EverSolo, and Cambridge come to mind in that range, and of course there’s the Bluesound Node at a slightly lower price point. |
I agree with the Rotel amps & preamp choices since I'm quite familiar with their units. Although I have several different amp/preamp setups including vacuum tubes I still enjoy the clean sound of the Rotel 1590 Mk II series. To answer your asking question about speakers .....I like the Sonus Faber Sonetto 3's for about $4k . I actually liked the 3's more than the Sonetto 5"s when I listened to them at the dealer some years ago. The 3's have a very nice balance of sound with midrange detail and no sharp high end since I'm sensitive to listener fatigue. |