This system was put together with the purpose to provide a decent level of fidelity and musical enjoyment while blending into its environment. Aside from this, it is also very affordable allowing me to spend most of my "music budget" on live performances and recordings. Any suggestions or comments are very much welcomed.
Jazzfan--Hmmm, the system as a whole improved about 10% if I had to put a number on it. The first impression that came to mind was clarity and resolution. That's probably the biggest difference that I noticed but there are a few others. The sound stage is slightly wider yet voices are not distant sounding. I also like that strings sound slightly more natural since I listen to LOTS of classical and guitar music. My old classe still kicks ass for the money since dumping triple in money only got me not even twice better. Just tells you that classe stuff is well built and musical even if its not the latest and greatest (classe's known for evolutionary changes not revolutionary changes). Still, I don't regret upgrading. Pretty content for a while to come (keep those fingers crossed cause I'm eyeing the B&W 802Ds...then I'd have to upgrade amps...maybe the CA2200).
I've moved the speakers out about a foot and a half from the wall. That seem to help the midrange a bit. As for moving them closer, I would like to but the window is in the way. I've followed the rule of an equilateral triangle, and so right now, the speakers are spaced out the same distance as to the listening position. I'm thinking it would be worse if the speakers are directly in front of the glass.
Rob: the area of the room (wood floor area) measures at 24 X 22 with vaulted ceilings with 19 ft at the apex. However, because the space is an open floor which encompasses the area of the kitchen, foyer, and stairwell, the effective enclosed area is a little over 1400 sqft. The 805 surprisingly do pretty well on their own without the sub, but everything drops off below 50 hz. Most of my recordings are classical and my favorites are usually piano solos, and so I don't feel like I'm missing much. The sub is there for times when I listen to electronica. The biggest "problem" that I have is that the room is "very echoey" because aside from the woodfloor, the rest of the area is covered with marble floors. It is a double edge sword because on some recordings, it actually gives it a sense of spaciousness, somewhat like that of a church or some concert halls. Audio purist will dislike that, but I kinda like it at times. As for the early reflection off of the window, I'm sure there's plenty of it hee hee hee. I guess because the space is not optimal for sound reproduction, I've just learned to live with it and just enjoy my music.
I do have a dedicated media room on the lower floor but it currently is used as a dedicated HT system. I don't like to mix 2 chnl with multi chnl because I don't want to monopolize the stereo when others want to watch a movie. I'm considering finishing out about 350 sqft of the house for a dedicated listening room, but I have a feeling that with a sound consultant and room treatments, I can't call it a "budget minded" system anymore. It is very true about how the room is often the most neglected and weakest link in the audio chain.
Thanks Mahlerfan for the suggestion. I like the Level Plus and they have it available in Wenge stain! I'll wait to see how "Worldys" cabinet turns out first before getting the Level Plus, but I'm very glad for the suggestions from all. Thank you also for the compliments on the home decor. When I had this house built, I didn't know whether or not I should have it done up "Mountainy" as most villas here in Breckenridge are very rustic and loggy. Overall, I think the earth-tone paint and the wood trims give it just enough warmth yet the clean lines of the cabinets and built-ins are neutral enough for the freedom to play with bright colors and the contemporary furnishings.
I can't agree more with you on the stacking of components. I'm in the process of hunting for a better stand, but I don't want an audio stand that looks like a typical rack. I know that as one collect more and more components, it becomes difficult to find something that's not rack-like. If you or anyone have idea on where I can get a good sturdy stand that has some style, please let me know. Much appreaciated:)
