Upgrading To Better Speakers!

[prerich]

Originally Posted by mdabb

I am in Love again!!!! It is so hard to explain the sound to people without experiencing it in person. You will listen to music you don't like just to enjoy the experience or at least I now do.

Totally understandable you are being eveloped into another world sonically, the directional cues coming from places that speakers don't exist, speakers virtually disapperaing and there's nothing left but you and the music. It's better than Calgon - it really takes you away (without pictures )!

[RUR]

I'm so glad you like them! They're terrific speakers and will give you many years of pleasure. Also, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you've purchased wisely.

I'll keep an eye out for a well-priced center. I have a friend on another board who's selling his near-new 400's with center (he upgraded to Revel Studio2's ) , but I don't know if that center is a good match for the 800's. Let me investigate. Edit: mdabb, Check your PM.

PS: Start thinking about room treatments, the other MAJOR component to achieving really top-notch AQ.

PPS: Photos, please!

[RUR]

Originally Posted by mdabb

I am in Love again!!!! It is so hard to explain the sound to people without experiencing it in person. You will listen to music you don't like just to enjoy the experience or at least I now do.

Believe me, I do understand completely. Few things are as sublime as AQ so good the reproduction disappears, allowing the listener to focus on the music, looking into the mind of the composer, who was looking into the mind of God.

[mdabb]

Pictures of DALI HELICON 800s.

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[richteer]

Originally Posted by mdabb

Pictures of DALI HELICON 800s.

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Very nice! But pull those speakers out from the wall another foot or so; they'll sound much better!

[kingofgrills]

Those things are like Ali, man. They're almost too pretty for your room!

Nice!

[mdabb]

I know it doesn't look like it but they are a little over a foot away from the wall. It's all the room I can allow for right now. (11 month old daughter needs room to roam) I will eventually be moving and they will get their own deticated space with the works!

The 800s are tall and deep so the pics were snapped so they fit in the shot. I am a novice with the camera and wanted to post something for now.

[mdabb]

Originally Posted by kingofgrills

Those things are like Ali, man. They're almost too pretty for your room!

Nice!

I am in the process of completely gutting my whole house and the downstairs unfortunately is the last to be done. Once my work slows down I can deticate the time.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by richteer

Very nice! But pull those speakers out from the wall another foot or so; they'll sound much better!

Agreed - they are lovely though, nice ribbons !!!!

[tegal3]

Originally Posted by richteer

Very nice! But pull those speakers out from the wall another foot or so; they'll sound much better!

and buy a better speaker cable

[twoboyz]

Don't forget about the Definitive Mythos St Towers. I have the BP 7002's and only get rid of them for the ST Towers. I know there are more expensive speakers out there but just look at the reviews these have gotten. In side by side comparisons that I have heard the B&W 800 series compares and nothing else in the B&W line. But once again its just an opinion. I would do myself a favor and at least take a look and listen to them. They never disappoint me

[mdabb]

Originally Posted by tegal3

and buy a better speaker cable

All in do time! I agree with that the speakers need to come out from the wall a little more. They are out a little over a foot now it just doesn't seem like it from the pics. However at least they are not against the wall. I can't do anything permanent in my current situation.(soon to remodel)

My main goal right now is to aquire a complete Helicon setup. I am slowly trying to build a nice system.

[mdabb]

With talk about two subwoofers - got me thinking.

It is rumored or thought that bass is non-directional (mono) however some recordings use stereo bass. In order to even hear bass in stereo wouldn't it require your receiver or preamp to have left and right subwoofer outputs?

Sure you can use two subwoofer on a single output but wouldn't it null and void the idea of stereo bass? Being that it only represents one channel.

Having two subwoofers would only reinforce that mono channel and still wouldn't sonically benefit bass in stereo. The bass wouldn't match up and was artificially put there. What would be the point of having the same bass signal on two different channels?

Having one great sounding well placed subwoofer, wouldn't it sound sonically sound the same with just less bass?


Can anyone clarify and care to add to this and are there preamps that have L/R sub outputs???

[richteer]

Originally Posted by mdabb

With talk about two subwoofers - got me thinking.

It is rumored or thought that bass is non-directional (mono) however some recordings use stereo bass. In order to even hear bass in stereo wouldn't it require your receiver or preamp to have left and right subwoofer outputs?

Sure you can use two subwoofer on a single output but wouldn't it null and void the idea of stereo bass? Being that it only represents one channel.

Having two subwoofers would only reinforce that mono channel and still wouldn't sonically benefit bass in stereo. The bass wouldn't match up and was artificially put there. What would be the point of having the same bass signal on two different channels?

Having one great sounding well placed subwoofer, wouldn't it sound sonically sound the same with just less bass?


Can anyone clarify and care to add to this and are there preamps that have L/R sub outputs???

Correct: for stereo bass, you either need a pair of full range speakers, or a pair of subs. Most receivers have only one sub output, for the LFE (the .1 in 5.1 or 7.1), so connectiong two subs would be beneficial, but still only mono.

There are a few pre/pros with dual sub outputs, but I think they have the same signal. The only proper ".2" amp that comes to mind is Yamaha's 11.2 channel monster.

All of the preceding assumes that you use the LFE (sub) output. If you connect your subs up to the same way you connect your speakers, then yes, you can have proper stereo bass from them.

[mdabb]

For those who are interested I added another piece to the puzzle today. The Helicon center channel is big and beautiful and full of amazing sound. I can't recommend the Dali Helicon series enough it is great sounding and like owning an instrument. I am very happy to say the least!!!

For the surround channels I might be picking up the Helicon 400s. Crazy I know but you only live once. After that I am turning to two channel upgrades I want an awesome sounding setup for music. So I will be looking into preamps, amps, and CD/SACD player.

I don't want to forget about a subwoofer but I am still researching. Got to find one that blends well with what I have or will be getting. Not really looking for overkill but solid. Musical as well. Most people really love their subwoofer and I do as well but don't want the "Andre The Giant" of subs!!! I may end up getting the Helicon sub but not totally sure though.

As always thanks for the help and conversation.

[mdabb]

Picked up a pair of Helicon 300s for rear channels. I was going to go with the 400s but they are big and require a fair amount of breathing room which at this time I can't give them. The 300s are more than capable though. So I am very happy with the choice.

I guess all that's left now is a subwoofer. I have been in contact with Jim Salk of Salk Sound and have been thinking about two different models of subs from him. (Links below) I think either of them will be great choices and are quite sure that I will pick up one of them. There are a lot of other manufacturers out there but the Salks will blend in nicely with the Dali's. Plus whichever model I chose will be customized to my liking and needs and not to forget about matching up the cherry finish.

http://www.salksound.com/hts.shtml

http://www.salksound.com/SongSub.shtml


So that's what I've accomplished so far. Hopefully it will inspire others when selecting speakers. I live in an area where selection is at a minimum but I am very glad I didn't settle for the usual offerings at big box stores. If I did I am sure it would have been wasted money and I would still have been desiring more.

Piecing it together hasn't been so bad and it actually took less time than I thought. The results well you would have to hear it for yourself. It's hard to describe what I now get to hear.

I am not done with my system yet either and just like everyone else I will now focus on other equipment and the room itself.

Thanks for all the help too it is very much appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!

[prerich]

Originally Posted by mdabb

Picked up a pair of Helicon 300s for rear channels. I was going to go with the 400s but they are big and require a fair amount of breathing room which at this time I can't give them. The 300s are more than capable though. So I am very happy with the choice.

I guess all that's left now is a subwoofer. I have been in contact with Jim Salk of Salk Sound and have been thinking about two different models of subs from him. (Links below) I think either of them will be great choices and are quite sure that I will pick up one of them. There are a lot of other manufacturers out there but the Salks will blend in nicely with the Dali's. Plus whichever model I chose will be customized to my liking and needs and not to forget about matching up the cherry finish.

http://www.salksound.com/hts.shtml

http://www.salksound.com/SongSub.shtml


So that's what I've accomplished so far. Hopefully it will inspire others when selecting speakers. I live in an area where selection is at a minimum but I am very glad I didn't settle for the usual offerings at big box stores. If I did I am sure it would have been wasted money and I would still have been desiring more.

Piecing it together hasn't been so bad and it actually took less time than I thought. The results well you would have to hear it for yourself. It's hard to describe what I now get to hear.

I am not done with my system yet either and just like everyone else I will now focus on other equipment and the room itself.

Thanks for all the help too it is very much appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!

You should have no problem making beautiful music with this setup!!!! Good job - quality gear - enjoy!!!!

[prerich]

Originally Posted by richteer

Correct: for stereo bass, you either need a pair of full range speakers, or a pair of subs. Most receivers have only one sub output, for the LFE (the .1 in 5.1 or 7.1), so connectiong two subs would be beneficial, but still only mono.

There are a few pre/pros with dual sub outputs, but I think they have the same signal. The only proper ".2" amp that comes to mind is Yamaha's 11.2 channel monster.

All of the preceding assumes that you use the LFE (sub) output. If you connect your subs up to the same way you connect your speakers, then yes, you can have proper stereo bass from them.

The old Fosgate Model 3A THX prepro was a true .2 system also - had true stereo sub inputs.

[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.

[Intamin]

Mdabb, I'd love to hear your system, as it looks like an amazing system, and I can only imagine how great those Dali's must sound. Throw in the Salk subs, or any sub you end up choosing and you've got one helluva system.