How can I improve this listening environment? This photograph was taken from my listening position.
Soon I will be adding a pair of B&W 800D speakers with matching Classe M400 monoblock amps. I want to be sure the room allows the rest of the system to function at it's best.
The rooms dimensions are roughly 23 x 22 x 8-feet. But there are 4 wide openings to other spaces which makes it a bit hard to say what the dimensions really are.
There are a lot of hard surfaces; large windows on the back wall (facing south) and hardwood floors.
I'm considering adding drapes. Any other ideas on how to improve the room and keep my wife happy?
Hi Henry, IMHO I would get the source right first. If you do then you can see what the rest of the equipment is doing. But without the right source how can you tell what the downstream equipment is like? And that also means getting good recordings. Good luck. Peter
Hi well I have been buying stuff for over 30 years and I am still at it. My problem is a lack of money,but never mind me lets talk about you, if possible at all go to the audio show comming up this January in Vegas,its the only place where you can see and hear pretty much everything,you will find out that your speakers that you mentioned you want to buy are outclassed by many companies,there are small speakers that sound wonderful and large ones that sound wonderfull too.I think you will come to realize what kind of listener you are if you don't already know. Are you the type to sit in your favorite chair and listen with no distractions and like a very romantic type sound, or are you more into symphony and want the whole room filled,or are you a rocker that has parties and dancing going on? Like a car sports cars are great Vettes,Camaro's ,Jag's,or do yoou prefer a big 4 wheel Hummer?perhaps a Cadillac or Lexus? My point is they are all great for different reasons and yes yes yes audio is the same way one speaker my sound great but just too laid back for you or just too bright or too much bass,so go to the Vegas Electronic show and be able to make an informed decision first hand and not by someone elses tastes I think it would be worth every penny. good luck to you .Nick (myself that's is what I would do)
I think what people have said is wise. I would also urge restraint and caution, you have waited 20 years, you can wait a little longer. I have seen people try time and again to buy their ultimate system the first go around and it is rarely successful. The last thing you want to do is get on the never ending merrygoaround of gear. First a few questions to think about. 1 What type of music do you listen to? 2 Who else is having input, eg wife or significant other? 3. How important are aesthetics to you? 4. Hassle factor, what will you put up with? Some things can drive you crazy.
My suggestion is hear a variety of gear, of different price levels. See what you like about the gear and what you don't care for. If you are really lucky you can find a dealer who will help you along but in many instances those days are gone, but its worth the effort anyhow. You can post on audiogon to ask about good dealers in your neck of the woods. If you are spending a good chunk of change ask for a home audition, it will help a lot. But in turn you have to be reasonable to those you are asking for help and not dump them when someone else offers you the gear for 10% less.
I have seen people spend a fortune and not get what they like. I have also seen people spend a fortune - get a great bargain - 30 to 40% off - but the gear matches like hell and then it is no bargain.
The comments on the room are bang on, you can check out rives but you may not be able to treat the room, its still the best bang for the buck. Power can be as simple or complicated as you like. There are whole articles on it in hear but frankly if you have dedicated lines and don't live in a terrible area that should suffice.
As for brands, linn makes very nice all in one company systems but it has a particular sound you may or may not like. I have heard the b and o in several environments - peoples homes, and I must say it is not to my taste but I'm not buying it.
Hope this helps. By the way I speak from personel experience having done this excercise more than once and now having a part time business.
It should be great fun for you, avoid letting it drive you crazy as many do.
I will agree with the above poster, that while it is a little difficult to judge from the picture the speakers look like they could be moved a bit further apart. If you are upgrading, I would encourage you to take your time and get to know several brands of products without going in with preconcieved ideas and make damn sure whatever you buy speaks to you personally. Some systems and products will startle you with a lot of detail and sound impressive in a short demo but the critical question will be which can you envision best giving you lasting interest. For me this is nearly always a physical feeling on some level.
Take a look at Linn's active speaker line such as the Artikulat, along with their Unidisk player
They do look great. I went to their website and found a dealer in Kansas City. When I go to Kanas City this Friday I will stop by the Linn Dealer and hear their equipment in comparison to the Beolab 5's which I will also be auditioning that day.
Thanks for the kind words about my art. What a small world that you would know it! How is that possible?
I've admired your photography for many years. Spectacular. Welcome to the forum. IMHO, before plunking down 30K on audio gear, you really should take a bit more time to see (hear) what's out there. Even if you're looking for ultimate simplicity/minimalist gear there's lots of speakers out there that I trust will be much more musical and emotionally involving than the Beolabs, at that price or significantly less.
For starters, take a look at Linn's active speaker line such as the Artikulat, along with their Unidisk player that will allow you to hear all audio silver discs, not just CD. Nice looking stuff as well... http://www.linn.co.uk/music_systems_artikulat
Good luck in your journey, and I commend you on your beautiful art!
It is a great couch. Grey Leather. Down stuffing. Great to lay on and read as I watch the fireplace. Fireplace Picture. In this picture the fireplace would be immediately to your right.
Anyhow, I bought the couch about 20-years ago from the House of Denmark. Unfortunately, with the dollar being so weak against the Euro now, the price would be about half the price a a Wilson WATT Puppy.
your room is difficult but can be overcome...the speakers are way to close together and the glass bounces highs....nevertheless things can be improved...I'd work on the room and get the power supply clean before spending any dough on components since you will hear these improvements...then I'd start with either better source or better speakers...people debate endlessly over whether source or speakers comes first...also I am a tube man. good luck...it's a fun hobby if you keep your focus on music listening not listening to components. Larry K
