My Man Room: Quads+Arcam

by nhunsaker on Opinions Please
front_system
dark_system
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arcam_avr300
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Description

I've been making slow improvements to my Man Room over the past 3 years carefully balancing technology and overall aesthetics. Due to the limited size there's only so much I want to sink into the project. I'm thinking of buying a better sounding center speaker and running two dedicated power-lines (already bought two Hubbell Hospital grade outlets). I play a lot of XBOX, watch a fair amount of movies (love the HD DVD) and listen to music on occasion.
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Components Toggle details

    • Quad 22L Loudspeakers
    After doing extensive research I landed on the Quad L-Series, which has received much praise in magazines such as HiFi Choice. They were in my budget too which is a plus. These are 2 1/2 ways and lack 100% full range. I'll need to add a sub to get the HT bang.
    • Quad 12L Monitors
    These bookshelfs were met with great reviews in magazines such as HiFi Choice. They sound great and the finish looks sharp.
    • Quad L-Center
    Another winning from the Quad L-Series.
    • REL Acoustics Strata mkIII
    A great example of a hi-fi subwoofer, this good looking if bulky subwoofer does the business with impressive flexibility and sonic self-effacement.
    • Arcam DiVA AVR300
    Arcam DiVA AVR300 Receiver. Very musical, includes Dolby Digital IIx which does a killer job in mixing music to all 5 channels. I'm using the 6 & 7 channels to biwire my loudspeakers.
    • Arcam DiVA DV79
    I'm very pleased with the picture and sound from this player.
    • XBOX HD-DVD Player 1.0
    Not getting the full picture (using component vs hdmi) or the complete sound (no trueHD) but overall quality is amazing. Now if only they'd make the xbox quieter.
    • Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD
    Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD PVR
    • Belkin Power Console PF40
    13 Outlet PureAV Home Theater Power Console PF40 with Phase 4 PureFilter Circuitry including isolated digital, audio, video, and HiCurrent filters
    • Panasonic TH50PX600 50IN
    Upgraded from 32" sharp LCD 720p to 50" panasonic plasma 1080i. Better colors and the picture is killer.
    • Pronto TSU2000
    This remote takes a long time to setup and configure but its easier than having 12 remotes. My wife, however, still can't figure out how to use it.
    • BetterCables.com Magic HDMI-DVI Cable
    This connects my PVR to the Aquos input box.
    • BetterCables.com Magic DVI Cable
    This connects my Arcam DV79 to the Aquos input box.
    • Monster Standard LightSpeed Optical Cable
    I'm using one of these for the DVD to Reciever, another for PVR to receiver. Price listed is for pair.
    • Signal Cable Double Run Bi-Wire
    Connected to my two main loudspeakers, 8 feet, BFA Banana Plugs, Mains
    • Signal Cable Double Run
    To my center channel speaker, 6 feet, BFA Banana Plugs, Center
    • Signalcable Analog Two Interconnects
    Three pair of interconnects provide a clean signal path from my DV79 to the AVR300 when enjoying DVD audio discs.
    • Signalcable SPDI/F Digital Coax
    Provides a clean signal from DV79 to AVR300 for HT where the AVR300's DTS/DD processing really shines.
    • Room and Board Copenhagen
    This is by no means an audiophile stand but it's the only thing that's worked in my limited space and fit into my budget. You can see in my photos that my stand is black and does not have wheels.

Comments 8

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The Quad's are great speakers. Had the 12L's for awhile with the Arcam AVR200. A very nice synergy. However, if you really want them to sing, add a 2 channel power amp for music playback. I have the Odyssey Audio Stratos w/ cap upgrade. Sells for 1150 USD and is a steal considering its performance. Really manhandles the Quads and opens up the soundstage. That said; when I heard a pair of Elac 203.2 bookshelf speakers from the same dealer I bought the Quad's from I couldn't help but upgrade to them. A fantastic speaker that outperforms the Quad sound hands down.
Enjoy the music regardless.

lensman

I like your set-up. I have Quad 12L Pro Actives and really enjoy them. As for upgrades I say get some kimber kable or analysis plus interconnect and speaker cable. I am not impressed by signal cable. You would see great improvement with KK 8tc and Hero or AP oval 12 and there oval one.

trianglezerius

Wow Nhunsaker, what a setup. How different does the 12L and 22L sound?

milpai

Owner
Goheelz: I think the screen is about 5 feet from the ground but there's no frame of reference in the picture. I was unsure what the height of my stand and center speaker would be combined but now it does indeed feel a little heigh by 1/2ft to 1ft. The nice thing about my sanus mount, however, is that I can angle the screen down and it feels more natural as a result. Thanks for the input -- it's good to hear that someone else feels it's a little too high as well.

nhunsaker

Nice, clean-looking installation. Have you considered placing the video monitor in a lower position for easier viewing?

goheelz

Very nice indeed! Love the clean install. I have a friend in Hong Kong that loves his dynamic Quads. I bet the match with Arcam yields high symmetry.
Kudos!

cedhz

Owner
System edited: Updated photos and added the new Quads into the mix.

nhunsaker

Owner
System edited: Added Belkin power console and Copenhagen component console.

nhunsaker

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