Upgrading To Better Speakers! - Page 5 - Blu-ray Forum

mdabb · 08-12-2008, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driver_King

If you've got the money, this is your sub. It's not pretty, granted. Is it the best sub under $5000? Probably. eD is supposed to be getting new finishes for their subs soon too.

Thanks for the recommendation but............

That's a lot of subwoofer to keep up with. Dual 18s are a little too much physically. I am limited on space for a sub and it's also kind of important to me to match up the finish but also deliver the goods. I have also thought that a high-gloss black would look pleasing but I am going to look for a wood vernier cabinet first. I don't think the Salks will let me down when it comes to SQ or output.

I have read you are picking up a sub from ED but it's still being built. I bet you can't wait until your new toy arrives!!!!!!!!! Hope you enjoy it.... and look forward to your thoughts. Any future plans to upgrade your speakers???

mdabb · 08-12-2008, 03:54 PM

Prerich and Intamin,

Thanks for the compliments I can't wait to finish bringing together the rest of the system.

Intamin, I hope you enjoy putting together your system as much as I have. I can't wait to see some pics of your Salks. Do you plan on getting anything else from him???

Driver_King · 08-12-2008, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdabb

Thanks for the recommendation but............

That's a lot of subwoofer to keep up with. Dual 18s are a little too much physically. I am limited on space for a sub and it's also kind of important to me to match up the finish but also deliver the goods. I have also thought that a high-gloss black would look pleasing but I am going to look for a wood vernier cabinet first. I don't think the Salks will let me down when it comes to SQ or output.

I have read you are picking up a sub from ED but it's still being built. I bet you can't wait until your new toy arrives!!!!!!!!! Hope you enjoy it.... and look forward to your thoughts. Any future plans to upgrade your speakers???

It's okay. It's a recommendation. It's your choice. Have you looked into SVS or AV123? They have finishes that would probably please you and deliver a bit more than the Salks. And yeah, I'm still waiting for my eD sub and am anxious to get my hands on it.

I might upgrade my speakers eventually. Yesterday, I decided I was going to be Mr. Detective and went searching for pics of my Technics SB-4500A's. I've had recurring problems with certain movie sequences that make my speakers sound like they are hitting something. I know the physical woofers are alright (I hope

) so I decided to take a good look at the pics of the woofers to see if I noticed something I hadn't before. Then it hit me, I looked at the surround part of the woofer and compared it to the surrounds on my Technics. I laughed at myself and felt like an idiot.

The surrounds of my Technics were completely pushed in.

I got my allen wrench out and popped the surround out. That's only part of my problem though right now. After I did that, I went to the test tone sequence of my 805 and noticed that both speakers sounded completely different. I was starting to get pissed. I fixed one problem and another comes up. So, I spent well over five minutes screwing around with the settings, trying to make them sound more alike. Well, I got them to a similar volume level, but they still sound completely off. I left the test tone on and went to put the grill back on the left speaker. Guess what? It starts making this scratching sound and flickers on and off. So I hit the top of the speaker and it went away.

A few seconds later...

It cuts out completely. I tried messing with the solder on top of the speaker wire and tried to get all of the strands under the solder. That didn't make any difference. I did a horrible job soldering the wire there and yesterday, I found you're supposed to heat the wire and then put the solder on top of the wire and not just melt the solder on top of it hoping it will work. I didn't ever have problems with the left speaker until yesterday. So now, I have even more problems than I had before. I'm thinking I need to get new binding posts for the Technics because they don't even have any at this point. Any questions, suggestions, or comments are welcome after this long post.

Beta Man · 08-12-2008, 04:26 PM

I have this sub....

http://www.definitivetech.com/review...ef_DVD1103.pdf

but it's too much sub for my space.... I'm "dealing with it" rather than replacing it, but if you've got the space, it's a very accurate sounding sub.

If you were in the area, I'd work something out.... but there's no way I'd ship it

RUR · 08-12-2008, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdabb

Picked up a pair of Helicon 300s for rear channels.....

Cool deal on the 300's.

You've now got 5.0 Dali's, yes? How does it sound?

In re: the sub.... Are you planning one sub for HT-duty only or two subs to supplement the 800's for HT and music? I shouldn't think the latter would be necessary with the 800's.

Lucy Diamond · 08-12-2008, 04:36 PM

Go with the Revels.

I get the best vibe from that site.

The last ones just don't pass the aesthetics test for me so I'd have to hear them for a few hours.

I full on don't trust the middle ones.

I am just going by my gut here and I haven't researched, but I'm usually not wrong when two sites (the last two) make me a little nervous.

My feeling right away is the first one.

Intamin · 08-12-2008, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdabb

Prerich and Intamin,

Thanks for the compliments I can't wait to finish bringing together the rest of the system.

Intamin, I hope you enjoy putting together your system as much as I have. I can't wait to see some pics of your Salks. Do you plan on getting anything else from him???

Well, right now I'm trying to put together the two channel first, including all the components. My apartment on campus is incredibly tiny, and my system is in my bedroom, so surround sound in there isn't really an option at the moment. Jim said the STs should be done around the end of the month, so I should have pics up sometime in September. I definitely plan on finishing the surrounds and centers from Jim, and assuming I like these speakers, once I get my own place, I'd like to add either the HT3's or HT2's for a movie room (some day

)

mdabb · 08-13-2008, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUR

Cool deal on the 300's.

You've now got 5.0 Dali's, yes? How does it sound?

In re: the sub.... Are you planning one sub for HT-duty only or two subs to supplement the 800's for HT and music? I shouldn't think the latter would be necessary with the 800's.

Yes I now have a 5.0 Dali Helicon setup. The sound is really "really" nice for home theater listening. For music the 800s are begging for a proper two channel setup (soon I hope). It still sounds great and all with the Onkyo TX-SR875 in stereo mode but the Onkyo struggles.

I am not completely sure what I'm gonna do about a sub. I "think" and "hope" the output on the Salk subs will be rewarding and completely capable of home theater duty but will lend a hand to the 800s when it's time for music.

The 800s do produce a nice low end but I do not want them to work OT. I have nothing but time to find a proper sub. I don't think I need a "king of the jungle" sub just something that is overall great. I would and have considered a sub from SVS but the finish on the cabinet is lacking. It looks like a vinyl laminate and is an ugly duckling compared to the Dali's. I'll have to look for a "real" wood veneer cabinet sub or a high gloss black.

Note to SVS fans: I really like SVS and appreciate their work and would take any of their subs anytime but......... I gotta find what's right for me. Please do not think I am bashing SVS by calling their cabinets an "ugly duckling". I have spoke with them on the phone and have even been invited to their facilities. Their factory is about a half an hour away from me. They can only do so much when it comes to the finish so I have to go with something else.

mdabb · 08-13-2008, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driver_King

It's okay. It's a recommendation. It's your choice. Have you looked into SVS or AV123? They have finishes that would probably please you and deliver a bit more than the Salks. And yeah, I'm still waiting for my eD sub and am anxious to get my hands on it.

I might upgrade my speakers eventually. Yesterday, I decided I was going to be Mr. Detective and went searching for pics of my Technics SB-4500A's. I've had recurring problems with certain movie sequences that make my speakers sound like they are hitting something. I know the physical woofers are alright (I hope

) so I decided to take a good look at the pics of the woofers to see if I noticed something I hadn't before. Then it hit me, I looked at the surround part of the woofer and compared it to the surrounds on my Technics. I laughed at myself and felt like an idiot.

The surrounds of my Technics were completely pushed in.

I got my allen wrench out and popped the surround out. That's only part of my problem though right now. After I did that, I went to the test tone sequence of my 805 and noticed that both speakers sounded completely different. I was starting to get pissed. I fixed one problem and another comes up. So, I spent well over five minutes screwing around with the settings, trying to make them sound more alike. Well, I got them to a similar volume level, but they still sound completely off. I left the test tone on and went to put the grill back on the left speaker. Guess what? It starts making this scratching sound and flickers on and off. So I hit the top of the speaker and it went away.

A few seconds later...

It cuts out completely. I tried messing with the solder on top of the speaker wire and tried to get all of the strands under the solder. That didn't make any difference. I did a horrible job soldering the wire there and yesterday, I found you're supposed to heat the wire and then put the solder on top of the wire and not just melt the solder on top of it hoping it will work. I didn't ever have problems with the left speaker until yesterday. So now, I have even more problems than I had before. I'm thinking I need to get new binding posts for the Technics because they don't even have any at this point. Any questions, suggestions, or comments are welcome after this long post.

Good luck with the repair. The only thing I can recommend is you might want to replace the internal wiring and maybe the x-over's while your at it. Especially if they have seen a few B-DAYS. I have read from quite a few post at "Audio Karma's" website about a sort of "fountain of youth" effect by replacing the guts. They also have a lot of DIY info there as well that may be of interest to you.

mdabb · 08-13-2008, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intamin

Well, right now I'm trying to put together the two channel first, including all the components. My apartment on campus is incredibly tiny, and my system is in my bedroom, so surround sound in there isn't really an option at the moment. Jim said the STs should be done around the end of the month, so I should have pics up sometime in September. I definitely plan on finishing the surrounds and centers from Jim, and assuming I like these speakers, once I get my own place, I'd like to add either the HT3's or HT2's for a movie room (some day

)

I have been reading about your dilemma on your preamp thread. Two channel is important to me as well. No way around it huh? The only good way is a preamp with HT bypass. I'm sure it will work out in the end just give it a little extra time.

I think I read that you picked up an 805 and a Parasound pre. Just checking because if you are only going 2.0 for now maybe the 805 can wait. Unless you have other speakers to use for movies. I know I was so glad when I got the matching center channel. I'll have to check out your thread again to make sure I am current.

mdabb · 08-13-2008, 11:53 PM

Everyone else................. I don't want to forget anyone. Thank You for the recommendations. I will be asking for some thoughts on subs as soon as I can sort through all the options.

All I do know right now is I have to find a sub with a nice cabinet. If not I don't think it would look right with the Dali's high gloss cherry finish. I guess it would be like putting a white door on silver Bentley. It's bad enough the speakers make my entertainment center look like an orphan.

Hopefully there is a solution out there. So thanks guys...

Driver_King · 08-14-2008, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdabb

Good luck with the repair. The only thing I can recommend is you might want to replace the internal wiring and maybe the x-over's while your at it. Especially if they have seen a few B-DAYS. I have read from quite a few post at "Audio Karma's" website about a sort of "fountain of youth" effect by replacing the guts. They also have a lot of DIY info there as well that may be of interest to you.

Well guess what. Yesterday (I know my last post said yesterday too) I unscrewed the back (where the broken binding post is) and found the wiring on both speakers were loose. I got out a few washers to stick below the nut and screwed it down nice and tight. The left speaker works just as good or better and the right speaker has been rejuvenated SQ wise.

It's probably all the vibrations that made them come loose. The connections were touchy and made terrible contacts. Good thing I fixed it!

I just saved myself a trip to a repair shop and possibly money.

Intamin · 08-14-2008, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdabb

I have been reading about your dilemma on your preamp thread. Two channel is important to me as well. No way around it huh? The only good way is a preamp with HT bypass. I'm sure it will work out in the end just give it a little extra time.

I think I read that you picked up an 805 and a Parasound pre. Just checking because if you are only going 2.0 for now maybe the 805 can wait. Unless you have other speakers to use for movies. I know I was so glad when I got the matching center channel. I'll have to check out your thread again to make sure I am current.

I haven't actually bought an 805 yet, but it's what I was considering when I do upgrade my avr, although the lip sync and over heating issues, assuming they aren't fixed by the time I purchase, will probably keep me away (but I need a second avr anyways, as I have Klipsch rf 52s and a center). But I got a parasound P3 preamp that I'm pumped to get (should be in Friday, but no amp to plug it into yet

) and a Denon 2901 universal player for my cds/sacds that I'll be getting the end of the month as a birthday gift (w00t! haha), and then I'll pick up an amp and not even worry about an avr or surrounds and center till I can get my own place off campus my last year.

Anyways, enough about me...those Salk subs are very nice looking, and I'm assuming that based on his speakers, he can probably make a darn good sub as well. Plus, the finish work Jim does just looks so nice, and I'm sure it'll match your Dali's wonderfully.

mdabb · 10-23-2008, 12:55 AM

I just wanted to add that I completed the my speaker setup last week with the purchase of a subwoofer.

I picked up an Earthquake Sound Supernova MKV 12 in a Burl wood finish. It is a beautiful subwoofer and sounds excellent. Plenty of low end output and I actually don't even have the volume turned up that much. I can definitely feel the bass now and was concerned when everything started vibrating while watching "Hellboy" and "Iron Man". I guess I'll have to get the wife to glue the pictures, etc. to the wall now. I never expected that much bass to be honest. I would recommend this sub to anyone looking for "scary bass".

I should also comment on the build and finish as well. This sub weighs around 80 lbs. and is very well made. The Supernova has a extremely heavy duty 12" sub and a 12" passive driver which Earthquake calls S.L.A.P.S. technology. It is also powered with a 600 watt class D amp. As for the high gloss Burl wood finish it is lovely. Kind of looks like a leopard on the prowl. My wife isn't a fan but after all it is my toy so it's what I like. I am a big fan of wood finishes especially unique ones.

I guess that brings an end to my speaker upgrades. All in all I am very happy and lucky as well. Now all I need is that dedicated room we would all love to have.

I would like to thank everyone for their help. When I first started all this I was unsure and was afraid I was going to make a wrong choice and not be satisfied with the end result. Before this upgrade I was going through speaker upgrades about once a year or so. Now I feel I made some classic choices and plan to keep this speaker setup for some time to come. I would easily choose the Dali Helicon's again and recommend them to anyone looking for truly amazing sound. Whenever I get the chance to slip away and forget about all the crap of life it is certainly a pleasure and big stress relief.

Again THANK YOU !!! to all of my fellow members.

Big Daddy · 10-23-2008, 01:42 AM

I love Earthquake's Subwoofers. I was tempted to buy one last year, but I decided against it as I already own multiple subwoofers. Against other high-end subwoofers, Supernova kicks butt.

Earthquake.jpg

PS. When are you going to invite us over for a demonstration?

mdabb · 10-23-2008, 08:11 PM

Anytime !!! It would be cool to have meet and greets. It would also be nice to experience other people's setups.

As for the Earthquake Supernova MKV subs...... I can not believe how much low end comes out of that smallish box. One of the reasons I was looking at it in the first place was the size. Not too big and not too small. Definitely something to experience. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the MKV to anyone who wants to feel the bass as well as hear it.

MacDaddyOJack · 10-23-2008, 08:19 PM

Dude, seriously, post a pic of your sub. Burlwood finish is one of the most gorgeous things ever! I'd love to have burlwood speakers

Intamin · 10-23-2008, 08:22 PM

Nice setup mdabb!!! We need pics of the whole shabang now that it's all done! Glad it finally all came together and you were able to get what you want; from specs and reviews alone it should be one killer set up and must be a joy to hear!

mdabb · 10-23-2008, 08:30 PM

Give me a few minutes and I'll post some pics of the sub and setup.

I still want a nice CD player, an amp for my center channel, a tube for my ModWright LS36.5 and some new inter-connects so I'm not done with the upgrades yet.

Then again when does it end!!!

MacDaddyOJack · 10-23-2008, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdabb

Then again when does it end!!!

How true, how true

10-23-2008, 12:55 AM	#94
mdabb Power Member Member since:Jan 2008 Trading Score:1	Update......... I just wanted to add that I completed the my speaker setup last week with the purchase of a subwoofer. I picked up an Earthquake Sound Supernova MKV 12 in a Burl wood finish. It is a beautiful subwoofer and sounds excellent. Plenty of low end output and I actually don't even have the volume turned up that much. I can definitely feel the bass now and was concerned when everything started vibrating while watching "Hellboy" and "Iron Man". I guess I'll have to get the wife to glue the pictures, etc. to the wall now. I never expected that much bass to be honest. I would recommend this sub to anyone looking for "scary bass". I should also comment on the build and finish as well. This sub weighs around 80 lbs. and is very well made. The Supernova has a extremely heavy duty 12" sub and a 12" passive driver which Earthquake calls S.L.A.P.S. technology. It is also powered with a 600 watt class D amp. As for the high gloss Burl wood finish it is lovely. Kind of looks like a leopard on the prowl. My wife isn't a fan but after all it is my toy so it's what I like. I am a big fan of wood finishes especially unique ones. I guess that brings an end to my speaker upgrades. All in all I am very happy and lucky as well. Now all I need is that dedicated room we would all love to have. I would like to thank everyone for their help. When I first started all this I was unsure and was afraid I was going to make a wrong choice and not be satisfied with the end result. Before this upgrade I was going through speaker upgrades about once a year or so. Now I feel I made some classic choices and plan to keep this speaker setup for some time to come. I would easily choose the Dali Helicon's again and recommend them to anyone looking for truly amazing sound. Whenever I get the chance to slip away and forget about all the crap of life it is certainly a pleasure and big stress relief. Again THANK YOU !!! to all of my fellow members. Last edited by mdabb; 10-23-2008 at 01:02 AM.

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08-12-2008, 03:54 PM	#82
mdabb Power Member Member since:Jan 2008 Trading Score:1	Prerich and Intamin, Thanks for the compliments I can't wait to finish bringing together the rest of the system. Intamin, I hope you enjoy putting together your system as much as I have. I can't wait to see some pics of your Salks. Do you plan on getting anything else from him???

08-12-2008, 04:26 PM	#84
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	I have this sub.... http://www.definitivetech.com/review...ef_DVD1103.pdf but it's too much sub for my space.... I'm "dealing with it" rather than replacing it, but if you've got the space, it's a very accurate sounding sub. If you were in the area, I'd work something out.... but there's no way I'd ship it

08-12-2008, 04:36 PM	#86
Lucy Diamond Blu-ray Champion Top contributor Member since:Apr 2008 Location:The Tomb of Annihilation 4K collection:- Blu-ray collection:- DVD collection:- Digital collection:- Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:3	Go with the Revels. I get the best vibe from that site. The last ones just don't pass the aesthetics test for me so I'd have to hear them for a few hours. I full on don't trust the middle ones. I am just going by my gut here and I haven't researched, but I'm usually not wrong when two sites (the last two) make me a little nervous. My feeling right away is the first one.

08-13-2008, 11:53 PM	#91
mdabb Power Member Member since:Jan 2008 Trading Score:1	Everyone else................. I don't want to forget anyone. Thank You for the recommendations. I will be asking for some thoughts on subs as soon as I can sort through all the options. All I do know right now is I have to find a sub with a nice cabinet. If not I don't think it would look right with the Dali's high gloss cherry finish. I guess it would be like putting a white door on silver Bentley. It's bad enough the speakers make my entertainment center look like an orphan. Hopefully there is a solution out there. So thanks guys...

10-23-2008, 01:42 AM	#95
Big Daddy Blu-ray Champion Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Southern California Home Theater Gallery:79 Blu-ray collection:122 Trading Score:1	I love Earthquake's Subwoofers. I was tempted to buy one last year, but I decided against it as I already own multiple subwoofers. Against other high-end subwoofers, Supernova kicks butt. Earthquake.jpg PS. When are you going to invite us over for a demonstration?

10-23-2008, 08:11 PM	#96
mdabb Power Member Member since:Jan 2008 Trading Score:1	Anytime !!! It would be cool to have meet and greets. It would also be nice to experience other people's setups. As for the Earthquake Supernova MKV subs...... I can not believe how much low end comes out of that smallish box. One of the reasons I was looking at it in the first place was the size. Not too big and not too small. Definitely something to experience. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the MKV to anyone who wants to feel the bass as well as hear it.

10-23-2008, 08:19 PM	#97
MacDaddyOJack Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Richmond, VA PSNetwork: MacDaddyOJack Trophy Level: 12(4%) Home Theater Gallery:12 Blu-ray collection:71 Blu-ray reviews:23 Trading Score:4	Dude, seriously, post a pic of your sub. Burlwood finish is one of the most gorgeous things ever! I'd love to have burlwood speakers

10-23-2008, 08:22 PM	#98
Intamin Power Member Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Houston Home Theater Gallery:38 Blu-ray collection:318	Nice setup mdabb!!! We need pics of the whole shabang now that it's all done! Glad it finally all came together and you were able to get what you want; from specs and reviews alone it should be one killer set up and must be a joy to hear!

10-23-2008, 08:30 PM	#99
mdabb Power Member Member since:Jan 2008 Trading Score:1	Give me a few minutes and I'll post some pics of the sub and setup. I still want a nice CD player, an amp for my center channel, a tube for my ModWright LS36.5 and some new inter-connects so I'm not done with the upgrades yet. Then again when does it end!!!

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